CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Athlete’s suspicion exposes fake sports certificate racket for government jobs, crores allegedly involved
A major case has emerged in Pune, Maharashtra, involving the alleged use of fake sports certificates to secure government jobs. A police investigation has found that 19 candidates allegedly submitted fake certificates in sports such as Kurash and Dragon Boat during the Pune city police recruitment process conducted from 2024 to 2026, and availed benefits under the sports quota. Maharashtra State Kurash Association president Ankush Nagar and secretary Shivaji Salunkhe have been arrested in the case.
The investigation began after an athlete raised suspicion. The matter came to light when a person suspected irregularities in the sports certificates of 19 candidates in the Pune police recruitment process. The person submitted a complaint to senior police officials and also provided relevant documents. Police then began examining the certificates and the recruitment process. The investigation allegedly found that the candidates had produced documents related to participation in sports competitions whose authenticity came under question. According to police, the sports competitions concerned were not actually held, yet records were allegedly created to show the candidates’ participation.
Police investigation has indicated 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 viewed not merely as one of forged documents, but as an organised sports-quota recruitment racket.
According to Pune police, 19 candidates were recruited in the 2024-2026 recruitment process allegedly on the basis of fake Kurash and Dragon Boat certificates. Of them, nine candidates had already gone for police training. Police are now trying to find out how many more candidates were involved in the network and which government jobs were obtained through fake certificates.
The role of the sports department is also under investigation. Police said that under government rules implemented after 2020, the presence of a government representative was mandatory at state-level competitions. It is alleged that the Kurash organisation concerned claimed to have organised 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.
Police have registered a case against the president and secretary of the Maharashtra State Kurash Association, as well as some other office-bearers. The court has sent the two arrested accused to police custody until 8 September. 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 in government recruitment. If the allegations are proved in the investigation, action may also be taken against candidates who secured government jobs on the basis of fake sporting achievements.
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