Dahod Fake ST Certificate Scam: OBC Family Allegedly Secured Govt Jobs, Medical Seats and Petrol Pump Under Tribal Quota

A major alleged fake Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate scam has surfaced in Gujarat's Dahod district, triggering serious questions over the government's caste verification mechanism. The allegations claim that members of a family originally belonging to the Hindu Rawal (Bakshi Panch/OBC) community secured ST certificates and used them to obtain government jobs, medical admissions, an elected post and even a petrol pump reserved for Scheduled Tribes, allegedly depriving genuine tribal beneficiaries of their constitutional rights.

The alleged irregularities have emerged from Singwad and Sanjeli talukas, with complainants demanding a high-level probe into the role of revenue officials and the scrutiny process that led to the issuance of the disputed certificates.

Allegations of Bogus ST Certificates

According to the complaint, Kamlesh Kumar Ramsingbhai Rawal and his family allegedly obtained Scheduled Tribe certificates despite belonging to the Hindu Rawal (Bakshi Panch/OBC) community.

The complainants have alleged that the certificates were issued due to negligence or collusion by officials at the local Talati-cum-Mantri office and the Sanjeli Mamlatdar office. They claim the case exposes significant lapses in the government's caste verification and document scrutiny system.

The allegations have not yet been adjudicated by a court, and no official findings confirming the claims have been made public.

Government Jobs, Medical Seats and Petrol Pump Under Scanner

The complaint alleges that multiple members of the family secured benefits reserved exclusively for Scheduled Tribes.

Among those named is Manusing Ramsingbhai Rawal, who allegedly obtained employment as a police constable at Limdi Police Station through the ST quota.

Another family member, Santoshbhai Waghjibhai Rawal, is alleged to have secured a government post as a Talati-cum-Mantri in Fatehpura under the same reservation category.

The complaint also alleges that Kiranbhai Somabhai Rawal became the Sarpanch of Sanjeli Panchayat and was allotted a petrol pump at Bhathiwada under the Scheduled Tribe quota.

In addition, some members of the family are alleged to have secured admissions to medical courses using ST reservation benefits.

Complainants argue that these alleged benefits came at the expense of eligible tribal candidates.

School and Revenue Records Cited as Evidence

The complainants have relied on school and revenue records to support their allegations.

According to the documents submitted, school records from Kumar Primary School in Sanjeli reportedly identify the family's ancestors, including Ramsingbhai Rawal and Somabhai Rawal, as belonging to the Hindu Rawal Backward Class (OBC).

Revenue records relating to Mander village, including mutation entries cited in the complaint, are also claimed to classify the family under the Bakshi Panch community rather than as Scheduled Tribe.

The complaint further states that the family's marriages and social affiliations have historically remained within the Rawal and Chari communities of Panchmahal and Fatehpura, and not within recognised tribal communities.

Demand for Independent Investigation

The complainants have approached the Tribal Development Department and the Gujarat Vigilance Commission, seeking an impartial investigation into the alleged issuance of fake caste certificates.

They have urged authorities to verify school records, revenue documents and other official records before determining the legality of the certificates issued to the family.

The complaint also seeks cancellation of the disputed ST certificates and action against any officials found responsible if the allegations are substantiated.

Tribal Community Warns of Protest

The alleged scam has sparked anger among members of the local tribal community, who claim that fraudulent caste certificates undermine the purpose of reservation and deny genuine beneficiaries access to government employment, education and welfare schemes.

Community representatives have warned of protests if prompt action is not taken against those allegedly involved and if the disputed certificates are not reviewed.

The allegations are yet to receive an official response from the authorities named in the complaint, and any determination regarding the validity of the certificates will depend on the outcome of the government's investigation.