I don’t have a caste validity certificate: Sameer Wankhede

Sameer Wankhede. File Pic

Narcotics Control Bureau Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede on Tuesday informed the caste scrutiny committee that he does not have a caste validity certificate, which was sought by the committee. The development comes as Wankhede has been under scanner for allegedly using a forged caste certificate to secure a job in the SC category.

He, however, has sought more time to submit other documents sought by the committee. "We have asked for more time to submit documents asked by the commission and we will file a reply as well. The hearing is scheduled for January 18," said advocate Ramchandra Rane, for Wankhede.

During the hearing, lawyers of complainants Ashok Kamble and Minister Nawab Malik were also present.

"Wankhede has sought more time and he told the committee that he is not in possession of the caste validity certificate," Nitin Satpute, for Kamble, told mid-day. He added that since Wankhede has informed the committee on record that he is not in possession of a caste validity certificate, the scrutiny committee now has a jurisdiction to probe this matter further. "If he (Wankhede) had shown the validity certificate, then this matter wouldn't have fallen under the jurisdiction of this committee, but would have gone to the Bombay High Court," Satpute added.

After a series of allegations by Malik that Wankhede's caste certificate is fake, multiple complaints were made before the committee in the matter.