In a major case of forgery and cheating, five candidates selected for the post of Peon/Hamal at the Bombay High Court have been booked for allegedly submitting forged Class 7 mark sheets during the recruitment process. The complaint was filed by Ganesh Lalji Javare (52), Assistant Manager (Appeals Branch, Personnel Department) at the Bombay High Court, Mumbai.
Recruitment Drive and Eligibility Criteria
According to Javare, the recruitment advertisement for Peon/Hamal positions was published on March 21, 2023. One of the key eligibility criteria was that applicants must have passed at least Class 7. Online applications were accepted between March 24 and April 7, 2023, through the High Court’s official website.
Selection Process and Final List
After screening applications, followed by written tests, physical tests, and interviews, a final selection list of 128 candidates and a waiting list of 32 candidates was published on September 24, 2024. However, clause (g)(15) of the original advertisement stated that the final appointment would be subject to verification of educational certificates.
FIR Registered Against Five Candidates
Azad Maidan Police have registered an FIR against the following five individuals, Avinash Sudhakar Pachpille, Ajay Bhaudeo Gayaki, Rushikesh Suresh Kedare, Mangesh Subhash Rane, Paranjape Vikram Yadav
Confidential Verification Reveals Forgeries
As per standard procedure, the Appeals Branch of the Personnel Department initiated confidential verifications through the respective Principal District and Sessions Judges based on candidates’ residential districts. During this process, the five candidates were found to have submitted fake or forged Class 7 certificates.
School Authorities Confirm Forgery
Verification by local judicial officers and school authorities uncovered discrepancies between the submitted mark sheets and official school records. The principals of the respective schools confirmed that the certificates were fabricated: Pachpille: Bhayaji Maharaj Vidyalaya, Washim, Gayaki: ZP Marathi High School, Buldhana, Kedare: ZP Primary School, Palshi (Khurd), Aurangabad, Rane: School in Valtur, Yavatmal, Yadav: Nutan Shikshan Sanstha, Kolhapur
Criminal Charges Filed Under BNS
Based on these findings, a formal complaint was submitted by the Personnel Department to Azad Maidan Police Station. The five accused have been booked under Sections 336(2), 336(3), 340(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for forging documents and knowingly submitting them as genuine. A criminal case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
