By News Karnataka
In Madhya Pradesh, nearly 25 government staff members鈥攃omprising teachers, police officers, engineers, and doctors鈥攁re being scrutinised for allegedly acquiring employment through forged Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates. The state holds India鈥檚 highest tribal demographic, surpassing 21%.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjiv Tiwari (MPSTF-Gwalior Unit) confirmed that six educators, including three women鈥擲itaram, Jawahar Singh, Sarla Manjhi, Rajesh Kumar, Kusum Manjhi, and Sunita Rawat鈥攈ave been formally charged for obtaining posts via counterfeit caste documents.
Apart from them, 19 additional officials from various sectors like education, healthcare, policing, and revenue are suspected of benefiting from similar fraudulent certificates.
The investigation commenced after a complaint was filed with Special Director General Pankaj Srivastava of the MP Special Task Force. Subsequently, an 11-member Special Investigation Team, led by SP Rajesh Bhadauria, was formed to pursue leads.
Authorities disclosed that many of the accused have been serving in different departments for over a decade. They suspect a well-organised network facilitated the preparation of fake credentials and ensured these went undetected during employment verification procedures.
Most of the forged certificates reportedly originated in the Gwalior-Chambal belt鈥攁 region once notorious for banditry and recently in the spotlight as the centre of the Aadhaar-based Police Constable Recruitment scam. That racket has already led to over 30 arrests, including alleged masterminds, Aadhaar operators, and candidates.
Officials indicated more individuals could be booked as inquiries progress.