Bhopal- In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Gwalior Additional Superintendent of Police Amritlal Meena, allegedly obtained his position through fraudulent means by securing a fake caste certificate. The incident unfolded when a complaint was lodged, prompting a thorough investigation that exposed Meena's purported malpractice.
Meena, a resident of Chachoda district Guna, allegedly exploited the pre-2003 Scheduled Tribe status of the Meena caste in the Sironj and Lateri tehsil areas of Vidisha district. Taking advantage of this historical classification, he is accused of fabricating a Scheduled Caste certificate to secure a job in the police force after 2003. Subsequently, a complaint was filed against Meena for submitting fraudulent documents during his government service tenure.
The State Investigation Committee delved into the matter, confirming the falsity of Amritlal Meena's caste certificate. Vidisha ASP Sameer Yadav disclosed that the High Court in Jabalpur recently lifted the stay order previously granted to Amritlal in this case, paving the way for further legal action.
On December 7, 2023, the Anandpur police station in Lateri tehsil registered a case against Amritlal Meena for fraud and concealing documents. Sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been invoked in the First Information Report (FIR). However, as of now, Amritlal Meena remains unarrested.
The incident highlights a concerning trend of individuals resorting to deceit to secure government jobs by exploiting caste certificates. In response to such malpractices, the General Administration Department of the state issued letters to all collectors on August 27, 2007. The letter emphasized the need for vigilance against the use of fake caste certificates in government services and outlined rules and instructions for government servants found guilty of such offenses.
According to these rules, complaints regarding caste certificates are to be investigated by the State Scrutiny Committee. If the investigation reveals that a caste certificate has been obtained through misinformation, the individual will face deprivation of associated benefits, financial compensation, and potential cancellation of educational or professional admissions. Moreover, the investigating officers responsible for issuing incorrect certificates may also face disciplinary and punitive actions.
In line with these directives, a state-level scrutiny committee, established by the General Administration Department in 1996, plays a crucial role in investigating cases involving caste certificates of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. If a certificate is deemed fake or incorrect, the Head of the Department, Divisional Commissioner, and Collector are authorized to initiate criminal proceedings against the accused, accompanied by disciplinary measures.
Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai
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