Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant alleges fake Assembly passes being sold for Rs 2,000–5,000

Maharashtra Industry Minister Uday Samant Monday claimed that fake passes for entry in the Assembly building were being sold for anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 duringthe ongoing Budget session.

While making a statement in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Samant informed the House that certain peons were allegedly involved in distributing nearly 50 such fraudulent passes.

“I want to bring to the notice that colour photocopies of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation letterhead are being used with names of officials and their fake signatures.

By forging the names and signatures of department officials, certain individuals are using it to access entry passes by charging anywhere between Rs 2000 and Rs 5000,” said Samant.

After Samant’s allegation, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde informed the House that an inquiry has been ordered and that, upon its receipt, strict action will be taken against the guilty.

Minister of State for Home (Rural) Pankaj Bhoyar said a final decision on the matter would be taken after the investigation agency submits a formal report.

Samant’s statement comes days after a e-mail threatening to blow the building with bombs was received by the legislature.

Last week, following the anonymous threat, the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly issued strict directives to tighten entry norms, restricting passes to legislators, Cabinet ministers and authorised government officials.