‘India is a secular country’ the Bombay High Court cited on Tuesday as it ordered the Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, to re-upload a deleted video of Dia Mirza appealing for an eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali.&nbsp;The awareness video was produced by BMC and featured the 44-year-old actress appealing to the people of Mumbai to burst firecrackers on public roads and opt for an eco-friendly Diwali.<h2>‘A festival is for everyone to celebrate’</h2>On Tuesday, a division bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale said it was “disturbed by the stray comments made by some politicians” and reminded them that “India is a secular country.”&nbsp;“A festival is for everyone to celebrate... No individual can be isolated from celebrating any festival in this country...how can you object to someone's participation just because that person is from some other religion? Aren't we a secular country,” the Bench said orally.&nbsp;The bench also cautioned those who had objected to the clip, stressing that every individual deserved respect, regardless of religion, caste or creed.&nbsp;"There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken off, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded," the court said.&nbsp;"We have not seen any politician or any person who made remarks yesterday put up videos spreading awareness. We are a secular country. We are really hurt by this. The issue pertains to the environment and every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air," the High Court said.<h2>What’s the controversy?</h2>In an awareness video for the &nbsp;Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the 44-year-old actor had appealed to the public, citing a High Court order, not to burst firecrackers on public roads.&nbsp;BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam had criticised the video and posted on X, "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture."&nbsp;Following the comment, the civic body removed the video featuring Dia Mirza.&nbsp;Interestingly, similar awareness videos featuring celebrities like Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, were retained on the BMC's X and Instagram pages.&nbsp;Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde had also backed the deletion of the video and accused the actor of being opposed to Hindutva.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We do not need Dia Mirza to teach how Hindus should celebrate Diwali. We know how to celebrate our Diwali. You (Mirza) are pursuing your own agenda, a selective agenda, and your overall stance is becoming very clear. It shows that you are against Hindutva. That is why we have strongly opposed the video," Tawde said, according to PTI.&nbsp;"If we look at Dia Mirza's entire profile, we can see that she has opposed the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code. She has also spoken against environmental issues that we were working on and opposed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have consistently seen her opposition directed against Hindutva and those who work for it," the mayor had further claimed.&nbsp;On Tuesday afternoon, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis was asked to react on Bombay HC's verdict. To which CM Fadnavis said, "This is a very small issue. I believe the High Court may have expressed its opinion, but the matter has not even gone to the High Court. Deleting the video was the Mumbai Municipal Corporation's decision. The authority that manages the social media handle has the right to decide what content should be retained and what should be removed. Dia Mirza may be a good actress, but she is not a major political figure in the country. Anyway, I feel these issues are not at my level."

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the rhetoric used by politicians against Dia Mirza and ordered BMC to re-upload the deleted video where the actor appeals for an eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali.

‘India is a secular country’ the Bombay High Court cited on Tuesday as it ordered the Mumbai civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, to re-upload a deleted video of Dia Mirza appealing for an eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali. The awareness video was produced by BMC and featured the 44-year-old actress appealing to the people of Mumbai to burst firecrackers on public roads and opt for an eco-friendly Diwali. ‘A festival is for everyone to celebrate’ On Tuesday, a division bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale said it was “disturbed by the stray comments made by some politicians” and reminded them that “India is a secular country.” “A festival is for everyone to celebrate... No individual can be isolated from celebrating any festival in this country...how can you object to someone's participation just because that person is from some other religion? Aren't we a secular country,” the Bench said orally. The bench also cautioned those who had objected to the clip, stressing that every individual deserved respect, regardless of religion, caste or creed. "There has to be a secular spirit, and the Constitution expects citizens to foster the same. If the clip was taken off, then it would be ideal that the same should be re-uploaded," the court said. "We have not seen any politician or any person who made remarks yesterday put up videos spreading awareness. We are a secular country. We are really hurt by this. The issue pertains to the environment and every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air," the High Court said. What’s the controversy? In an awareness video for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the 44-year-old actor had appealed to the public, citing a High Court order, not to burst firecrackers on public roads. BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam had criticised the video and posted on X, "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture." Following the comment, the civic body removed the video featuring Dia Mirza. Interestingly, similar awareness videos featuring celebrities like Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, were retained on the BMC's X and Instagram pages. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde had also backed the deletion of the video and accused the actor of being opposed to Hindutva. "We do not need Dia Mirza to teach how Hindus should celebrate Diwali. We know how to celebrate our Diwali. You (Mirza) are pursuing your own agenda, a selective agenda, and your overall stance is becoming very clear. It shows that you are against Hindutva. That is why we have strongly opposed the video," Tawde said, according to PTI. "If we look at Dia Mirza's entire profile, we can see that she has opposed the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code. She has also spoken against environmental issues that we were working on and opposed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We have consistently seen her opposition directed against Hindutva and those who work for it," the mayor had further claimed. On Tuesday afternoon, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis was asked to react on Bombay HC's verdict. To which CM Fadnavis said, "This is a very small issue. I believe the High Court may have expressed its opinion, but the matter has not even gone to the High Court. Deleting the video was the Mumbai Municipal Corporation's decision. The authority that manages the social media handle has the right to decide what content should be retained and what should be removed. Dia Mirza may be a good actress, but she is not a major political figure in the country. Anyway, I feel these issues are not at my level."

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the rhetoric used by politicians against Dia Mirza and ordered BMC to re-upload the deleted video where the actor appeals for an eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali.

‘India is a secular country’: Bombay High Court orders BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s video on eco-friendly Diwali

Mumbai: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has proposed a major overhaul of visitor management in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run hospitals by recommending the introduction of a ‘One Patient-One Relative’ policy along with a Visitor Pass Management System to reduce overcrowding, improve hygiene and create a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers.&nbsp;In a letter addressed to Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the mayor urged the civic administration to implement the proposal on a pilot basis at Mumbai’s three busiest civic hospitals—KEM Hospital, Sion Hospital and Nair Hospital. These hospitals witness thousands of patients and visitors every day, often leading to overcrowded wards and corridors that pose operational and infection-control challenges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baseless-misleading-piyush-goyal-slams-report-saying-india-rejected-quick-trade-deal-with-us-1783949852457">‘Baseless, misleading’: Piyush Goyal slams report saying India rejected quick trade deal with US</a>&nbsp;According to the Mayor, limiting one attendant for each admitted patient would significantly reduce unnecessary crowds on the hospital premises. She said excessive footfall often hampers the movement of doctors, nurses and emergency staff, affecting the overall delivery of healthcare services.&nbsp;The proposal also recommends introducing a Visitor Pass Management System at all hospital entry points. Under the suggested framework, every visitor would be required to obtain a pass before entering the hospital, with security personnel verifying passes at designated checkpoints.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-proscribes-iran-s-islamic-revolutionary-guards-as-terror-organisation-1783946588025">UK proscribes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as terror organisation</a>&nbsp;The mayor has further advocated for a digital visitor management system, saying it would improve security, regulate visitor movement and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive areas within hospitals.&nbsp;However, the proposal also provides for humanitarian exemptions. Families of critically ill patients, particularly those admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) or patients in extremely serious condition, could be granted more than one visitor pass. The authority to approve such exceptions would rest with the hospital administration based on individual circumstances.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revenge-is-coming-soon-iranian-newspaper-warns-us-europe-leaders-in-front-page-headline-1783881732741">‘Revenge is coming soon,’ Iranian newspaper warns US, Europe leaders in front-page headline</a>&nbsp;In her letter, Tawade highlighted several expected benefits of the proposed measures. These include reducing congestion in hospital corridors and wards, improving cleanliness and sanitation standards, lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and ensuring a calmer environment for patients undergoing treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;She also noted that better crowd management would enable doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to focus more effectively on patient care instead of dealing with excessive visitor movement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lindsey-graham-sent-to-hell-iranian-state-tv-anchor-congratulates-citizens-on-senator-s-death-1783875365713">‘Lindsey Graham sent to hell’: Iranian state TV anchor congratulates citizens on Senator’s death</a>&nbsp;The mayor said disciplined visitor management is an essential component of quality healthcare delivery and would help maintain sterile conditions in critical care areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;She added that improved crowd control would not only enhance patient services but also reduce waste generation and promote civic discipline in public healthcare institutions.&nbsp;If accepted by the BMC administration, the pilot project at KEM, Sion and Nair hospitals could become the template for similar visitor management systems across other municipal hospitals in Mumbai. The civic administration is yet to announce a decision on the proposal.

The proposal also recommends introducing a Visitor Pass Management System at all hospital entry points. Under the suggested framework, every visitor would be required to obtain a pass before entering the hospital, with security personnel verifying passes at designated checkpoints.

Mumbai: Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has proposed a major overhaul of visitor management in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run hospitals by recommending the introduction of a ‘One Patient-One Relative’ policy along with a Visitor Pass Management System to reduce overcrowding, improve hygiene and create a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers. In a letter addressed to Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, the mayor urged the civic administration to implement the proposal on a pilot basis at Mumbai’s three busiest civic hospitals—KEM Hospital, Sion Hospital and Nair Hospital. These hospitals witness thousands of patients and visitors every day, often leading to overcrowded wards and corridors that pose operational and infection-control challenges. Also Read: ‘Baseless, misleading’: Piyush Goyal slams report saying India rejected quick trade deal with US According to the Mayor, limiting one attendant for each admitted patient would significantly reduce unnecessary crowds on the hospital premises. She said excessive footfall often hampers the movement of doctors, nurses and emergency staff, affecting the overall delivery of healthcare services. The proposal also recommends introducing a Visitor Pass Management System at all hospital entry points. Under the suggested framework, every visitor would be required to obtain a pass before entering the hospital, with security personnel verifying passes at designated checkpoints. Also Read: UK proscribes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards as terror organisation The mayor has further advocated for a digital visitor management system, saying it would improve security, regulate visitor movement and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive areas within hospitals. However, the proposal also provides for humanitarian exemptions. Families of critically ill patients, particularly those admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) or patients in extremely serious condition, could be granted more than one visitor pass. The authority to approve such exceptions would rest with the hospital administration based on individual circumstances. Also Read: ‘Revenge is coming soon,’ Iranian newspaper warns US, Europe leaders in front-page headline In her letter, Tawade highlighted several expected benefits of the proposed measures. These include reducing congestion in hospital corridors and wards, improving cleanliness and sanitation standards, lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and ensuring a calmer environment for patients undergoing treatment. She also noted that better crowd management would enable doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to focus more effectively on patient care instead of dealing with excessive visitor movement. Also Read: ‘Lindsey Graham sent to hell’: Iranian state TV anchor congratulates citizens on Senator’s death The mayor said disciplined visitor management is an essential component of quality healthcare delivery and would help maintain sterile conditions in critical care areas. She added that improved crowd control would not only enhance patient services but also reduce waste generation and promote civic discipline in public healthcare institutions. If accepted by the BMC administration, the pilot project at KEM, Sion and Nair hospitals could become the template for similar visitor management systems across other municipal hospitals in Mumbai. The civic administration is yet to announce a decision on the proposal.

The proposal also recommends introducing a Visitor Pass Management System at all hospital entry points. Under the suggested framework, every visitor would be required to obtain a pass before entering the hospital, with security personnel verifying passes at designated checkpoints.

Mumbai mayor proposes ‘One Patient-One Relative’ policy for BMC hospitals to curb overcrowding

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday delivered a sharp rebuke to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), questioning why Mumbai’s roads continue to remain riddled with potholes despite years of judicial intervention and repeated civic promises.&nbsp;Hearing a public interest litigation on road safety during the monsoon, a division bench observed that the city’s deteriorating road conditions continue to endanger commuters and said it was time for the civic body to “wake up” after more than two decades of court monitoring.&nbsp;The judges remarked that travelling across Mumbai, from Dahisar to Fort, still involves navigating “hundreds of bumps”, raising concerns over the quality of road construction in India’s financial capital. They questioned why the city has failed to build durable roads comparable to those in other global metropolitan cities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-states-to-count-mail-in-ballots-that-arrive-late-trump-calls-it-tremendous-loss-1782758597695">US Supreme Court allows states to count mail-in ballots that arrive late; Trump calls it ‘tremendous loss’</a>&nbsp;The court also turned its focus to the recurring danger posed by open manholes during the monsoon. While the BMC informed the bench that protective safety grills have been installed beneath over 70,000 manhole covers, it admitted that more than 3,000 manholes are yet to be fitted with the protective mechanism.&nbsp;Expressing concern over recent fatalities linked to open drains and uncovered manholes, the bench sought a categorical assurance from the civic body that no citizen should lose their life due to such negligence this monsoon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yasin-malik-faces-trial-in-sarla-bhat-rape-murder-case-35-years-after-brutal-crime-instilled-fear-in-kashmiri-pandits-triggered-exodus-1782752930044">Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits</a>&nbsp;During the hearing, the court also referred to the recent incident in which a civic employee fell into a chamber during an inspection by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. The BMC clarified that the employee had fallen into a water pumping station and not an open manhole, adding that the incident had been widely misrepresented.&nbsp;Seeking greater accountability, the High Court directed the BMC to file a detailed affidavit on the functioning of its pothole and open-manhole complaint mechanism. The civic body has also been asked to submit photographic evidence showing that complaints lodged by citizens have been resolved, along with details of FIRs registered in cases involving stolen manhole covers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-refuses-urgent-hearing-of-ram-temple-petitions-saying-heavens-are-not-going-to-fall-1782739148242">Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing of Ram Temple petitions, saying, 'Heavens are not going to fall’</a>&nbsp;The bench also expressed displeasure over the delay in paying Rs 6 lakh compensation to the family of a doctor who died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Thane last year, directing the Thane Municipal Corporation to ensure payment before the next hearing.&nbsp;The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 6, when the BMC is expected to submit its compliance report on road safety measures, monsoon preparedness and pending directions issued by the court.

Hearing a public interest litigation on road safety during monsoon, a Bombay High Court division bench observed that the city’s deteriorating road conditions continue to endanger commuters and said it was time for the civic body to “wake up” after more than two decades of court monitoring.

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Monday delivered a sharp rebuke to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), questioning why Mumbai’s roads continue to remain riddled with potholes despite years of judicial intervention and repeated civic promises. Hearing a public interest litigation on road safety during the monsoon, a division bench observed that the city’s deteriorating road conditions continue to endanger commuters and said it was time for the civic body to “wake up” after more than two decades of court monitoring. The judges remarked that travelling across Mumbai, from Dahisar to Fort, still involves navigating “hundreds of bumps”, raising concerns over the quality of road construction in India’s financial capital. They questioned why the city has failed to build durable roads comparable to those in other global metropolitan cities. Also Read: US Supreme Court allows states to count mail-in ballots that arrive late; Trump calls it ‘tremendous loss’ The court also turned its focus to the recurring danger posed by open manholes during the monsoon. While the BMC informed the bench that protective safety grills have been installed beneath over 70,000 manhole covers, it admitted that more than 3,000 manholes are yet to be fitted with the protective mechanism. Expressing concern over recent fatalities linked to open drains and uncovered manholes, the bench sought a categorical assurance from the civic body that no citizen should lose their life due to such negligence this monsoon. Also Read: Yasin Malik faces trial in Sarla Bhat rape-murder case 35 years after brutal crime instilled fear in Kashmiri Pandits During the hearing, the court also referred to the recent incident in which a civic employee fell into a chamber during an inspection by Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde. The BMC clarified that the employee had fallen into a water pumping station and not an open manhole, adding that the incident had been widely misrepresented. Seeking greater accountability, the High Court directed the BMC to file a detailed affidavit on the functioning of its pothole and open-manhole complaint mechanism. The civic body has also been asked to submit photographic evidence showing that complaints lodged by citizens have been resolved, along with details of FIRs registered in cases involving stolen manhole covers. Also Read: Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing of Ram Temple petitions, saying, 'Heavens are not going to fall’ The bench also expressed displeasure over the delay in paying Rs 6 lakh compensation to the family of a doctor who died after falling into an uncovered manhole in Thane last year, directing the Thane Municipal Corporation to ensure payment before the next hearing. The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 6, when the BMC is expected to submit its compliance report on road safety measures, monsoon preparedness and pending directions issued by the court.

Hearing a public interest litigation on road safety during monsoon, a Bombay High Court division bench observed that the city’s deteriorating road conditions continue to endanger commuters and said it was time for the civic body to “wake up” after more than two decades of court monitoring.

‘Wake up: Bombay High Court pulls up BMC over Mumbai’s potholed roads, open manhole risks

Mumbai: With water levels in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai dropping to a critical 10.35% of the total capacity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a fresh set of stringent water conservation measures that will come into effect from June 17, 2026. The move comes amid a delayed monsoon and growing concerns over the impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns.&nbsp;Mumbai has already been facing a 10% water cut since May 15, but civic officials say additional restrictions have now become necessary to ensure the remaining water stock lasts until substantial monsoon inflows reach the reservoirs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-foiled-plot-to-attack-sunday-s-ufc-event-at-white-house-with-explosive-drones-says-kash-patel-1781613184332">FBI foiled plot to attack Sunday’s UFC event at White House with explosive drones, says Kash Patel</a>&nbsp;Under the new restrictions, all water connections provided for construction activities will be temporarily disconnected, while new water connections for construction projects will remain suspended until further orders. Water supply to swimming pools will also be halted.&nbsp;The BMC has further ordered a 20% reduction in water supply to industrial establishments, commercial establishments and sports clubs. Water supplied to aerated-water and packaged drinking-water bottling units will be restricted to the minimum required for workers’ drinking needs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-focus-now-on-ukraine-do-whatever-i-can-says-trump-at-g7-summit-1781608500726">‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit</a>&nbsp;Public institutions and organisations have been directed to maximise the use of tanker water, borewell water and treated sewage water for non-potable purposes. The civic body has specifically advised the use of borewell water for vehicle washing, gardening, park maintenance and road cleaning, while major agencies such as the Railways, Navy, HPCL, BPCL, MIDC and BPT have been encouraged to reuse treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for operational requirements.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-summit-2026-what-would-success-look-like-in-vian-amid-turbulent-times-1781524196880">G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times?</a>&nbsp;The latest measures come as Mumbai faces one of its most challenging pre-monsoon periods in recent years. Just two weeks ago, the city’s reservoirs were holding around 15.6% of their capacity. The rapid decline has intensified concerns over water security if rainfall remains below normal in the coming weeks.&nbsp;The BMC has warned that the new restrictions will be strictly enforced and that stringent action will be taken against individuals or establishments found wasting potable water. Civic officials say the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Mumbai can avoid even tougher water rationing measures later this season.

Mumbai has already been facing a 10% water cut since May 15, but civic officials say additional restrictions have now become necessary to ensure the remaining water stock lasts until substantial monsoon inflows reach the reservoirs.

Mumbai: With water levels in the seven lakes supplying Mumbai dropping to a critical 10.35% of the total capacity, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a fresh set of stringent water conservation measures that will come into effect from June 17, 2026. The move comes amid a delayed monsoon and growing concerns over the impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns. Mumbai has already been facing a 10% water cut since May 15, but civic officials say additional restrictions have now become necessary to ensure the remaining water stock lasts until substantial monsoon inflows reach the reservoirs. Also Read: FBI foiled plot to attack Sunday’s UFC event at White House with explosive drones, says Kash Patel Under the new restrictions, all water connections provided for construction activities will be temporarily disconnected, while new water connections for construction projects will remain suspended until further orders. Water supply to swimming pools will also be halted. The BMC has further ordered a 20% reduction in water supply to industrial establishments, commercial establishments and sports clubs. Water supplied to aerated-water and packaged drinking-water bottling units will be restricted to the minimum required for workers’ drinking needs. Also Read: ‘Will focus now on Ukraine, do whatever I can,’ says Trump at G7 Summit Public institutions and organisations have been directed to maximise the use of tanker water, borewell water and treated sewage water for non-potable purposes. The civic body has specifically advised the use of borewell water for vehicle washing, gardening, park maintenance and road cleaning, while major agencies such as the Railways, Navy, HPCL, BPCL, MIDC and BPT have been encouraged to reuse treated wastewater from sewage treatment plants for operational requirements. Also Read: G7 Summit 2026: What would success look like in Évian amid turbulent times? The latest measures come as Mumbai faces one of its most challenging pre-monsoon periods in recent years. Just two weeks ago, the city’s reservoirs were holding around 15.6% of their capacity. The rapid decline has intensified concerns over water security if rainfall remains below normal in the coming weeks. The BMC has warned that the new restrictions will be strictly enforced and that stringent action will be taken against individuals or establishments found wasting potable water. Civic officials say the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Mumbai can avoid even tougher water rationing measures later this season.

Mumbai has already been facing a 10% water cut since May 15, but civic officials say additional restrictions have now become necessary to ensure the remaining water stock lasts until substantial monsoon inflows reach the reservoirs.

From pools to construction sites, BMC cracks down to save Mumbai’s remaining water

Mumbai: In a major development, Mumbai Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a large-scale fake birth certificate racket that has raised serious concerns over identity fraud and administrative lapses in the city.&nbsp;The case, which involves more than 87,000 suspicious birth records in the last two years, is being described as one of the biggest document frauds uncovered in recent years.&nbsp;The issue first came to light during an internal review by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which flagged irregularities in birth and death registrations.&nbsp;Officials found that thousands of certificates had allegedly been issued without proper verification or were created using forged documents. Many of these entries were reportedly made outside the official system, pointing to possible manipulation from within.&nbsp;Given the scale of the fraud, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has stepped in, forming an SIT led by senior officers to conduct a detailed investigation.&nbsp;The team will look into the role of civic officials, agents, and any organised network that may have facilitated the issuance of these fake certificates.&nbsp;Preliminary findings suggest that the racket may not be limited to isolated cases, but instead could involve a wider nexus operating across the city. Investigators are also examining whether these fake birth certificates were used to obtain other identity documents, potentially aiding illegal immigration or fraudulent activities.&nbsp;An FIR has already been registered against certain former BMC officials suspected of involvement. Sources indicate that more action, including suspensions and arrests, could follow as the probe progresses.&nbsp;The SIT is expected to trace the entire chain—from applicants and middlemen to officials—while also identifying loopholes in the system that allowed such a large-scale fraud to go undetected.

Officials found that thousands of certificates had allegedly been issued without proper verification or were created using forged documents. Many of these entries were reportedly made outside the official system, pointing to possible manipulation from within.

Mumbai: In a major development, Mumbai Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe a large-scale fake birth certificate racket that has raised serious concerns over identity fraud and administrative lapses in the city. The case, which involves more than 87,000 suspicious birth records in the last two years, is being described as one of the biggest document frauds uncovered in recent years. The issue first came to light during an internal review by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which flagged irregularities in birth and death registrations. Officials found that thousands of certificates had allegedly been issued without proper verification or were created using forged documents. Many of these entries were reportedly made outside the official system, pointing to possible manipulation from within. Given the scale of the fraud, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has stepped in, forming an SIT led by senior officers to conduct a detailed investigation. The team will look into the role of civic officials, agents, and any organised network that may have facilitated the issuance of these fake certificates. Preliminary findings suggest that the racket may not be limited to isolated cases, but instead could involve a wider nexus operating across the city. Investigators are also examining whether these fake birth certificates were used to obtain other identity documents, potentially aiding illegal immigration or fraudulent activities. An FIR has already been registered against certain former BMC officials suspected of involvement. Sources indicate that more action, including suspensions and arrests, could follow as the probe progresses. The SIT is expected to trace the entire chain—from applicants and middlemen to officials—while also identifying loopholes in the system that allowed such a large-scale fraud to go undetected.

Officials found that thousands of certificates had allegedly been issued without proper verification or were created using forged documents. Many of these entries were reportedly made outside the official system, pointing to possible manipulation from within.

Over 87,000 bogus birth records flagged, Mumbai Police orders SIT inquiry

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‘India is a secular country’: Bombay High Court orders BMC to restore Dia Mirza’s video on eco-friendly Diwali

Mumbai mayor proposes ‘One Patient-One Relative’ policy for BMC hospitals

‘Wake up: Bombay HC pulls up BMC over Mumbai’s potholed roads, open manholes

From pools to construction sites, BMC cracks down to save water in Mumbai

Over 87,000 bogus birth records flagged, Mumbai Police orders SIT inquiry