CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Athlete’s suspicion exposes fake sports certificate racket for government jobs
A major case has come to light in Pune, Maharashtra, involving the alleged use of fake sports certificates to secure government jobs. A police investigation has found that 19 candidates used allegedly fake certificates in sports such as Kurash and dragon boat to avail benefits under the sports quota in the Pune city police recruitment process conducted from 2024 to 2026. Maharashtra State Kurash Association president Ankush Nagar and secretary Shivaji Salunkhe have been arrested in the case.
The investigation began after an athlete grew suspicious of the sports certificates of 19 candidates in the Pune police recruitment process. The person filed a complaint with senior police officers and also submitted relevant documents. Police then began examining the certificates and the recruitment process. The probe allegedly found that the candidates had submitted documents linked to participation in sports competitions whose authenticity came under question. According to police, the relevant sports competitions were not actually held, yet records were created showing that the candidates had participated in them.
According to the police investigation, information has emerged that candidates were allegedly charged around Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh in exchange for fake sports certificates. This is why the case is being seen not merely as one of forged documents, but as an organised sports-quota recruitment racket. Pune police said 19 candidates were recruited in the 2024-2026 process allegedly on the basis of fake Kurash and dragon boat certificates. Of them, nine candidates had also gone for police training. Police are now trying to establish how many more candidates were part of the wider network and which government jobs were secured through fake certificates.
The role of the sports department has also come under the scope of investigation.
Police said that under government rules implemented after 2020, the presence of a government representative at state-level competitions was mandatory. It is alleged that the Kurash organisation concerned claimed to have conducted a competition without informing the Directorate of Sports. The sports department will now also conduct an inquiry into the matter. This may help establish how the alleged fake certificates were prepared and validated.
The investigation may widen further. Police have registered a case against the president and secretary of the Maharashtra State Kurash Association, along with some other office-bearers. A court has remanded the two arrested accused to police custody until September 8. During the investigation, police are also examining the role of candidates, sports organisations and others linked to the certificate-issuing process. The case raises serious questions about transparency in the sports quota for government recruitment. If the allegations are proved in the investigation, candidates who obtained government jobs on the basis of fake sporting achievements may also face action.
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