Mumbai crime: Mobile dealer held for forging RT-PCR reports, vaccination certificates

The accused was charged Rs 200 for fake RT-PCR reports and Rs 50 for fake vaccination certificates

The Mumbai crime branch's unit 4 have arrested a mobile phone dealer for allegedly making false RT-PCR test reports and COVID-19 vaccination certificates. During the raid, police found data of hundreds of people who approached him to make forge reports as per their requirements.

According to crime branch officers, they have been keeping a tab on such activities and have arrested hundreds of people for making false vaccination certificates, especially, to use public transport, which bars people from travelling without vaccination certificates.

Cops send dummy customers

"We had received information about a Mankhurd resident, identified as Vikram Teli, indulging in making fake RT-PCR reports and COVID-19 vaccination certificates as per the requirements of his customers," an officer said. The accused charged Rs 200 for fake RT-PCR test reports and Rs 50 for fake vaccination certificates.

The crime branch needed a complainant to register an FIR against the accused. "There was no complaint registered against the accused, but the information was very specific. Hence, to nab the accused red-handed, we sent dummy customers," Neelotpal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detection.

"Four dummy customers, who were deployed police, were given negative and positive RT-PCR reports, as per their requirement. The accused provided the same by using the nitro pro pdf editor app. The accused was arrested red-handed in front of panchas. During the raid, we have found at least 29 fake vaccination certificates as well," Neelotpal added. The accused was arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, which includes cheating and forgery. The crime branch is further examining the details of people who have obtained fake certificates from the accused.

Positive report in demand

During the course of the investigation, the crime branch has found that the accused has so far made 400-500 fake RT-PCR reports. Surprisingly, most of the customers had asked for a COVID positive report.

"The accused revealed that some working professionals had approached him for positive reports so they can get leaves from their respective offices. However, the cops have not yet taken any action against the people who paid for fake certificates. "We are collecting details and they are likely to be made witnesses in the case," an officer said.

29
No. of fake vaccination certificates recovered by the police