Surat ACP B M Chaudhary booked for submitting fake ST certificate during police recruitment
A criminal complaint has been registered against recently dismissed Surat Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) B M Chaudhary for allegedly using a fake Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to gain entry into the Gujarat Police force over 30 years ago.According to officials, Chaudhary—whose full name is Bapubhai Motibhai Chaudhary—joined the force as a Police Sub Inspector (PSI) in 1992, claiming ST status during recruitment. His caste credentials have now come under legal scrutiny following a prolonged investigation by the Gujarat Vigilance Commission.Complaint filed by social welfare officerThe case was officially registered at Umra Police Station in Surat based on a complaint filed by Mukesh Narottam Gamit, Social Welfare Officer from the Surat District Panchayat Office. The complaint traces back to an earlier representation made by Pravin Pargi, president of the Tribal Development Trust in Godhra, who submitted a petition to the Gujarat Vigilance Commission on January 7, 2021.The petition alleged that Chaudhary submitted fraudulent documents to falsely claim Scheduled Tribe status, and demanded immediate cancellation of the certificate and related benefits.38-month vigilance probe and non-complianceIn response to the complaint, the matter was first taken up by the Surat Vigilance Cell, and later transferred to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Cell, Gandhinagar. Over a period of nearly 38 months, Chaudhary was issued multiple notices to furnish proof of his caste claim.On July 15, 2021, Vigilance authorities asked Chaudhary to submit documentary evidence—including school leaving certificates of himself and his family members, land records, and a lineage report tracing his ancestry to prove tribal status. He sought a 15-day extension but failed to comply.Despite 15 opportunities—12 from the Vigilance Cell and 3 from the Departmental Review Committee—Chaudhary failed to provide adequate or verifiable documentation. In March 2024, the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) confirmed that all of Chaudhary's promotions (from PSI to Police Inspector, and eventually to ACP) were granted under the ST category.Key documents disputedThough Chaudhary did submit certain documents in August and September 2024—including his own caste certificate and a school leaving certificate from Jalbhai Khajotia High School, Kukarmunda, his native village—the verification process revealed discrepancies. The caste listed in his school records was determined to fall under a non-ST sub-caste, according to the official classification list.Chaudhary also declared that caste-related records for his father and uncle were unavailable. However, authorities noted that such gaps raised further questions about the validity of his ST status.Dismissal from service and FIRFollowing repeated non-compliance and failure to produce valid evidence, Chaudhary was dismissed from service by the Gujarat Police Department. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Umra Police Station, formally charging him with forgery and misuse of a caste certificate for government employment.The case has sparked strong reactions within the police and tribal communities. Legal experts say that if convicted, Chaudhary could face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant rules governing false claim of caste identity in public employment.Background and significanceCaste certificate fraud has become a growing concern across India, particularly in cases where individuals exploit tribal reservations for educational or job quotas. The booking of a senior police officer in such a case highlights serious lapses in the vetting processes during recruitment and promotions.As investigations continue, authorities are expected to scrutinise similar cases involving potentially fraudulent claims within the police force and other government bodies.
A criminal complaint has been registered against recently dismissed Surat Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) B M Chaudhary for allegedly using a fake Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate to gain entry into the Gujarat Police force over 30 years ago.
According to officials, Chaudhary—whose full name is Bapubhai Motibhai Chaudhary—joined the force as a Police Sub Inspector (PSI) in 1992, claiming ST status during recruitment. His caste credentials have now come under legal scrutiny following a prolonged investigation by the Gujarat Vigilance Commission.
Complaint filed by social welfare officer
The case was officially registered at Umra Police Station in Surat based on a complaint filed by Mukesh Narottam Gamit, Social Welfare Officer from the Surat District Panchayat Office. The complaint traces back to an earlier representation made by Pravin Pargi, president of the Tribal Development Trust in Godhra, who submitted a petition to the Gujarat Vigilance Commission on January 7, 2021.
The petition alleged that Chaudhary submitted fraudulent documents to falsely claim Scheduled Tribe status, and demanded immediate cancellation of the certificate and related benefits.
38-month vigilance probe and non-compliance
In response to the complaint, the matter was first taken up by the Surat Vigilance Cell, and later transferred to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Cell, Gandhinagar. Over a period of nearly 38 months, Chaudhary was issued multiple notices to furnish proof of his caste claim.
On July 15, 2021, Vigilance authorities asked Chaudhary to submit documentary evidence—including school leaving certificates of himself and his family members, land records, and a lineage report tracing his ancestry to prove tribal status. He sought a 15-day extension but failed to comply.
Despite 15 opportunities—12 from the Vigilance Cell and 3 from the Departmental Review Committee—Chaudhary failed to provide adequate or verifiable documentation. In March 2024, the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) confirmed that all of Chaudhary's promotions (from PSI to Police Inspector, and eventually to ACP) were granted under the ST category.
Key documents disputed
Though Chaudhary did submit certain documents in August and September 2024—including his own caste certificate and a school leaving certificate from Jalbhai Khajotia High School, Kukarmunda, his native village—the verification process revealed discrepancies. The caste listed in his school records was determined to fall under a non-ST sub-caste, according to the official classification list.
Chaudhary also declared that caste-related records for his father and uncle were unavailable. However, authorities noted that such gaps raised further questions about the validity of his ST status.
Dismissal from service and FIR
Following repeated non-compliance and failure to produce valid evidence, Chaudhary was dismissed from service by the Gujarat Police Department. Subsequently, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Umra Police Station, formally charging him with forgery and misuse of a caste certificate for government employment.
The case has sparked strong reactions within the police and tribal communities. Legal experts say that if convicted, Chaudhary could face charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant rules governing false claim of caste identity in public employment.
Background and significance
Caste certificate fraud has become a growing concern across India, particularly in cases where individuals exploit tribal reservations for educational or job quotas. The booking of a senior police officer in such a case highlights serious lapses in the vetting processes during recruitment and promotions.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to scrutinise similar cases involving potentially fraudulent claims within the police force and other government bodies.
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