Over 30 Fake Police Clearance Certificates Found at Tata Communications in Pimpri Chinchwad
Reported by Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 11th December 2024: The Anti-Terrorism Branch (ATB) of the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has taken action against agents who fabricate Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) and those who assist them. Over 30 fake PCCs were found at Tata Communications Limited (TCL) in Dighi, raising serious concerns about the operations of companies in the district. A large network is suspected to be behind this, and many more fake PCCs are believed to be in circulation.
A case has been registered against Sandeep Bansode, a resident of Lohgaon, and Sunil Rokade, a resident of Pimple Gurav, at Dighi Police Station. The charges against them include violations under BNS Sections 318 (cheating), 336 (forgery), 337 (forgery of court records or public registers), 340 (forging documents or electronic records and using them as genuine), and 3(5) (acts done by multiple individuals in furtherance of a common intention).
According to information provided by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3) Dr. Shivaji Pawar, the Anti-Terrorism Branch (ATB) is investigating various areas under the PCPC jurisdiction to prevent any improper activities and ensure safety. As part of this, important government and army establishments under Zone 3 of PCPC are being investigated by the ATB. During this process, the backgrounds of contract employees, housekeeping staff, security guards, and others in similar roles were checked under the jurisdiction of Dighi Police Station.
It was discovered that many contract staff at TCL had submitted fake PCCs, which were created using forged documents. The serial numbers of the PCCs found at TCL belonged to other individuals, as confirmed by the Special Branch. Upon initial investigation, it was found that 31 employees had submitted fake PCCs at the company.
Further investigation revealed that agents had helped these employees acquire the fake certificates. The employees had connected with these agents through acquaintances. The agents, charging between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 per PCC, would provide the certificates over the phone within 15 days. The agents, identified as Sandeep Bansode and Sunil Rokade, have been arrested. A case has been registered against them, and Police Sub-Inspector Aabasaheb Katpale from Dighi Police Station is leading the investigation.
Dr. Shivaji Pawar said, “While investigating housekeeping staff, security guards, and other contract workers in various government and private institutions and verifying their PCC certificates, discrepancies were found at TCL Company, Dighi. A case has been registered, and action is being taken. We urge every employer to verify PCCs with the Special Branch of PCPC.”
This action was taken under the guidance of Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner of Police Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Shivaji Pawar, in charge of Zone 3 and the ATB. The team, led by Senior Police Inspector Vikas Raut, included Police Sub-Inspector Gaikwad, Police Constables Pundalik Patil, Arun Kute, Suraj Morgaonkar, and Tushar Kadam.
Police Clearance Certificates
A PCC is an official document issued by the Police Administration that confirms an individual’s criminal record status. It certifies that the person has no criminal convictions or pending criminal cases in a specific jurisdiction. PCC is often required for immigration, employment, visa applications, adoption, or residency permits, ensuring the applicant’s good conduct. It is important because it helps authorities assess an individual’s trustworthiness and legal standing, ensuring that they meet the necessary legal and safety standards for certain activities like moving abroad or taking up important roles in organisations.
