Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has ordered a thorough investigation into what is being called ‘Pan Card Jihad’ in Malad West’s Malvani area. Based on the reports from Navabharat, the probe was initiated following a formal complaint by BJP leader Acharya Pawan Tripathi, who presented evidence of a widespread racket involving the creation of fake PAN cards. Fadnavis has directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to take immediate action, while also notifying central investigative agencies.
Acharya Pawan Tripathi, Vice President of the Mumbai BJP, alleged that several Islamic-majority areas in Mumbai have witnessed an abnormal number of PAN cards being issued, with figures surpassing the local population count. He further stated that this scam is part of a larger conspiracy where fake PAN cards are being used for illegal financial transactions and money laundering. Tripathi provided substantial proof to the Deputy Chief Minister, which prompted the swift action.
In his complaint, Tripathi warned of the possibility of similar fraudulent documents being created, including fake Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, ration cards, and Ayushman Bharat cards. He pointed out that certain individuals in Malvani hold multiple PAN cards, raising concerns about their misuse for laundering black money and legitimizing illegal activities. According to Tripathi, the scale of this operation suggests an organized effort aimed at exploiting government documentation for unlawful purposes.
Pawan Tripathi stated to the media, “Islamists have been involved in several such jihads, like love jihad and land jihad, and similarly, in areas where the Islamist population is high, we have observed ‘Pan Card Jihad.’ In places like Malad West constituency, the number of PAN cards exceeds the Islamist population. I have evidence, including a copy of a female individual’s PAN card, where she holds two different PAN cards. I want to understand what kind of anti-national activities they are planning by doing this, as it is a serious matter. We have already discussed this with the Deputy CM, and I hope he will take necessary action soon.”
Fadnavis has assured that the investigation will be handled with utmost urgency, and no stone will be left unturned to unmask the culprits. He has emphasized that such fraudulent activities not only threaten the financial integrity of the country but also raise concerns about national security. The case has already drawn the attention of state and central authorities, who are expected to launch a deeper investigation into the matter.
This expose comes at a time when Maharashtra has been tightening its grip on fraudulent documentation. The involvement of the Islamic community, as alleged by the complainant, is likely to add a communal dimension to the investigation. Authorities have been urged to handle the case with caution and ensure that the investigation is free from any biases, focusing solely on the criminal elements responsible for this racket.
This is not the first time fake Aadhaar and PAN card rackets have been exposed, posing a significant threat to national security. Last year, the arrest of Islamist Abdul Sajid in Kolkata underscored the growing menace of fraudulent documentation being used for illegal activities such as money laundering and business scams. Such cases highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to curb the misuse of national identity systems, as they not only enable financial crimes but also compromise the integrity of the nation’s security framework. Authorities must continue their vigilance to dismantle these networks and prevent further exploitation.
