Probe launched into forged documentation ‘scam’ in Maha excise dept | Mumbai News

Thane: The Wagle Estate police in Thane have launched an investigation into a ‘scam’ involving forged documentation used to secure positions within the state excise department. The case centres around a counterfeit letter bearing the signature and official seal of a senior department official, including the superintendent of the excise department, said the police officer privy to the probe.
Dr Nilesh Vishwanath Sangde (39), former superintendent of the state excise department Mumbai, filed a complaint after discovering counterfeit appointment letters and medical examination documents created for two persons – Nilesh Vilas Patil and Jayesh Bhaiyyasaheb Patil.
The fraud came to light when Dr Sangde, who served as superintendent at the Thane division from Aug 2021 to Aug 2024, received WhatsApp messages containing medical examination documents of the two individuals. Investigation revealed that these documents, dated Oct 6, 2023, carried forged stamps of the state excise department’s Thane office and fake signatures of the superintendent.
Using these forged documents, the accused managed to get medical examinations conducted at the District Govt Hospital, Thane on Oct 12, 2023. The scam deepened with the creation of fake appointment letters dated Oct 20, 2023, which purportedly posted the two individuals as Deputy Inspectors in the State Excise Department at Murbad and Shahapur in Thane district.
Dr Sangde noted in his complaint that the position of peon, which was initially mentioned in the forged documents, does not exist in the state excise department.
The Wagle Estate police have registered a case against unknown persons for forgery and cheating. Further investigation is underway.