Deputy CM assures action in fake signature scandal

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Pic/PTI

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar has assured of strict action against the culprits in a case involving fake signatures on memorandums and statements attributed to the chief minister. Leader of the Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The chief minister's secretariat filed a complaint after staff members identified fake signatures and stamps of CM Eknath Shinde on 10 to 12 letters and memorandums. A complaint was subsequently lodged at the Marine Lines police station on Wednesday.

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Wadettiwar emphasised the seriousness of such incidents occurring in the office of the chief minister, who heads the state. He demanded a thorough investigation into the matter through points of information. Wadettiwar recalled a previous incident where an impersonator served as an officer on special duty (OSD) in Shinde's office (CMO) for eight months, orchestrating transfers of many officers.

"This raises concerns about the level of chaos within the state," he said. He also criticised the government's "failure to address such issues promptly". Pawar acknowledged the severity of the case and assured that an inquiry was underway. He affirmed that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and strict action will be taken against those responsible, leaving no room for leniency.

10-12
No of letters and memorandums that had CM signatures