Allegations of large-scale irregularities in the issuance of birth and death certificates have surfaced during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, prompting a state-wide verification drive and police action across several municipalities, including Kolkata.
Acting on the complaints, police teams conducted raids on Thursday morning at multiple civic bodies to examine records and verify the authenticity of registered birth and death certificates. Officials inspected documents at Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Boroughs 1, 2 and 10, along with records maintained by the Habra, Gobardanga and Ashoknagar municipalities in North 24 Parganas district.
The investigation aims to determine whether certificates were issued in accordance with legal procedures and identify any possible involvement of officials or intermediaries in alleged irregularities.
State Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal has issued a strict warning, stating that action would be taken against any government official found responsible for deliberate mistakes or involvement in fraudulent activities. The administration has made it clear that the probe will focus not only on document verification but also on fixing accountability.
The issue came to the government’s attention after officials reportedly detected multiple suspected fake certificates during the verification process, particularly in some border districts. Following these findings, the state amended regulations related to birth and death certificate issuance to improve transparency and prevent misuse of official documents.
As part of the ongoing operation, authorities are examining records maintained by municipalities as well as Gram Panchayats. Investigators are checking whether prescribed procedures were followed, and whether there were instances of document manipulation, concealment of information, or violations of registration rules.
Meanwhile, the state police have initiated steps to preserve and digitise records of birth and death certificates maintained by local administrative bodies. The move is aimed at ensuring that future investigations can be carried out efficiently by providing quick access to verified documents.
Sources said directives have already been issued to district Superintendents of Police and Police Commissioners to ensure proper preservation and archiving of records. The administration is focusing on both immediate enforcement measures and long-term reforms to prevent similar irregularities in the future.
Also read: West Bengal Assembly to introduce ‘Best MLA’ award
Follow us
