1,500-populated Maharashtra village records 27,000 'births' in 3 months
What's the story
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, Shendurusani gram panchayat in Maharashtra's Yavatmal district has registered an astonishing 27,397 births in just three months. The village has a population of only 1,500 people. The irregularities were discovered during a special drive to verify delayed birth and death registrations between September and November 2025,according to India Today. Authorities quickly discovered that the birth rate was drastically disproportionate to the village's actual population.
Fraud investigation
Cyber fraud detected in Maharashtra's birth registration system
The Civil Registration System (CRS) of Shendurusani gram panchayat was found to have been hacked. The CRS login ID of the gram panchayat was traced to Mumbai, indicating a major cybercrime operation. After the fraud was discovered, district health officer lodged a complaint at Yavatmal city police station. Mandar Patki, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer, formed an inquiry committee under deputy CEO of panchayat department.
Investigation findings
Inquiry committee investigates birth registrations in Shendurusani village
The inquiry committee, after visiting Shendurusani village, found that all 27,397 birth registrations and seven death records were outside the gram panchayat's jurisdiction. Authorities are now investigating how the CRS ID was hacked and if these fake registrations were used for identity theft or other illegal activities. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya said most of the names in these entries belong to people from West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
Legal proceedings
Legal action initiated against cyber fraud in Maharashtra
Somaiya has demanded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to cancel all these birth registration entries. He said, "I have spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and demanded that all these birth registration entries be canceled." A case has been registered under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act. The authorities are now probing the extent of this scam and its possible implications on identity theft or illegal benefits from government schemes.