Massive Birth Certificate Scam Uncovered in Rae Bareli: Only 421 of Over 53,000 Documents Found to Be Genuine

According to officials, nearly 53,267 birth certificates issued in Salon tehsil between 2020 and 2023 were put under scrutiny after irregularities were suspected. The investigation delivered a startling outcome: just 421 certificates were confirmed as legitimate, while all remaining documents were identified as fraudulent.

The probe further indicated that although the District Panchayat Raj Office (DPRO) had initiated procedures to cancel questionable certificates, the effort was allegedly undermined from within. Village Development Officers Vijay Yadav and Zeeshan were named in the findings for purportedly manipulating the process. Their actions reportedly obstructed proper verification and enabled the proliferation of forged documents.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which assisted in the investigation, played a key role in exposing the extent of the scam and tracing the pattern of malpractice. The case has since cast a harsh spotlight on the functioning of the tehsil administration, raising concerns about the robustness of checks and balances in the issuance of vital records.

As the inquiry widens, authorities are expected to initiate stricter measures to prevent similar abuses and strengthen institutional accountability. The incident has not only shaken public trust but has also underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard essential civic documentation processes.