The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in birth certificates issued between 2024 and 2026 has unearthed further discrepancies. Civic records show that while officials initially found 10,244 cases of corrections made without supporting documents by May 21, the number has now escalated to 19,734. A senior BMC official confirmed that on May 29, the civic body wrote to the chief registrar of births and deaths seeking cancellation of these 19,734 birth certificates.
Breakdown of Irregularities
A detailed analysis reveals that in 16,528 instances, no supporting documents were provided at all, while 3,206 cases involved incomplete paperwork. The initial investigation identified discrepancies in roughly 10,000 certificates, but further scrutiny of 86,020 birth certificates revealed a total of 19,734 problematic records. An official stated, "Hence, we have written to the chief registrar of births and deaths to seek cancellation," adding that additional officials may face consequences due to the extent of irregularities.
Criminal Investigation Intensifies
The criminal probe into the matter has gained momentum. Two days ago, the Mumbai police's Special Investigation Team summoned BMC officials to provide information on the functioning of birth registration software systems, including the Customer Relationship Management and SAP platforms. Officials were asked to demonstrate how corrections and modifications can be made in birth records, the levels of authorization required, and the prescribed procedure for approving such changes.
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who has been following the issue, remarked, "It is shocking that such an organized fraud wasn't noticed. Without any delay, these birth certificates should be cancelled as it has become aptly clear that such important civic records were processed without affidavits, applications, or supporting documents."
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from an internal report submitted to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on April 30. The report found that Medical Officers of Health across several wards were making corrections not only in the mandatory Civil Registration System portal but also in the older SAP-CPWM system, the BMC's internal software, allegedly violating guidelines issued by the Registrar General of India.
However, civic officials claim they are being unjustly punished. "No civic circular was issued to stop corrections in the SAP system; no showcause notice was given to those suspended, and neither was an attempt made to allow officials to explain their stance," said one official.
