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A massive fake contract scam linked to the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela has shocked authorities after eight bogus work orders worth more than Rs 1,349 crore were allegedly created using forged documents and fake digital signatures.
Nashik: A massive fake contract scam linked to the upcoming Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela has shocked authorities after eight bogus work orders worth more than Rs 1,349 crore were allegedly created using forged documents and fake digital signatures.
The alleged fraud has raised serious concerns over the security of government tender systems, as criminals reportedly used fake approvals to lure contractors with promises of major Kumbh Mela projects involving food supply, police arrangements, housekeeping and solar infrastructure.
The Nashik Police investigation began after authorities detected multiple fraudulent work orders issued in the name of Kumbh Mela-related projects. Officials said the fake documents were prepared over nearly three-and-a-half months and were designed to look like genuine government approvals.
The first two cases involving fake work orders worth more than Rs 39 crore came to light in April. Nashik Road Police arrested Abhishek Jhare, who allegedly created forged documents and approached contractors by offering them government contracts. During further investigation, police discovered more suspicious documents allegedly connected with Kumbh Mela works.
The latest development emerged after Kumbh Mela minister Girish Mahajan alerted Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik about a suspected fraud network. Following the complaint, Nashik City Police reportedly identified a gang operating from Jamner in Jalgaon district. Police arrested Tanay Mahajan and Narendra Mahajan, while another accused, Sakhil Sheikh, is reportedly absconding.
Investigators suspect that the accused targeted contractors looking for business opportunities during the massive religious gathering. The alleged fraudsters reportedly prepared fake government-style documents, forged digital signatures and fabricated work orders to create the impression of official approval.
The accused allegedly promised contracts related to Kumbh Mela arrangements and demanded advance payments from contractors. In one case, a contractor was allegedly cheated after being promised a housekeeping contract linked to the event. Police said the accused collected Rs 2.17 crore after showing fake approval papers. Investigators are now examining whether more contractors were approached and whether additional financial transactions took place through the same network.
Officials from the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA) said all fake work orders followed a similar pattern. The documents allegedly contained forged digital signatures claiming to belong to Nashik Divisional Commissioner Praveen Gedam, who also serves as NTKMA chairman.
Authorities clarified that genuine work orders are issued by the concerned government departments responsible for project implementation. The NTKMA chairman does not directly issue such work orders. The alleged fraud was first detected when a contractor approached Praveen Gedam to verify a Rs 35 crore CCTV project document. Officials immediately suspected the document after finding that the digital signature attached to the order was allegedly forged.
Following the complaint, police arrested Abhishek Jhare. During the investigation, officers allegedly recovered additional fake documents from his mobile phone. These included a Rs two crore fake work order related to providing traffic wardens for Nashik Police during Kumbh and another Rs 1.5 crore document linked to repair work at a government hospital in Trimbakeshwar.
The alleged scam was not limited to one sector. Investigators found fake contracts covering multiple important arrangements for the Kumbh Mela. Three fraudulent work orders worth around Rs 268 crore were allegedly prepared for supplying food and drinking water to police personnel deployed during the event.
Another fake contract worth Rs 452 crore reportedly involved housekeeping staff, bedding and buckets for police teams. Two more fake work orders valued at over Rs 591 crore were allegedly linked to solar power plant installation and supply of batteries and inverters.
Police suspect that contractors were targeted because large-scale religious events generate thousands of business opportunities, making them attractive targets for fraudsters.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Kirankumar Chavan said complaints were received from contractors who allegedly paid money after receiving fake work orders. Police have registered FIRs and launched a detailed investigation into the alleged racket.
The probe includes verification of digital documents, examination of financial transactions, collection of electronic evidence and questioning of people connected with the case. Investigators are also trying to identify whether the accused had any access to confidential project information or whether they used publicly available details to create fake documents.
The accused are facing action under laws related to cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy. Police are examining provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other applicable legal sections.
Investigators are collecting evidence required for prosecution, including digital records, communication details and financial transaction history. If allegations are proved in court, the accused may face strict legal action, including imprisonment and financial penalties.
The alleged Rs 1,349 crore fake work order scam has raised questions about how such documents could be created despite government digitisation initiatives. Experts and former officials have questioned the possibility of forged approvals appearing authentic enough to convince contractors.
Former Nashik district collector Mahesh Zagde, who handled the 2003 Kumbh Mela administration, expressed concern over the development and highlighted the need for stronger verification mechanisms. The incident has renewed debate over improving digital authentication, document tracking systems and contractor verification processes for large public events.
Following the detection of fake work orders, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority strengthened its document verification system. NTKMA Commissioner Sekhar Singh said genuine work orders issued to selected bidders are uploaded on the official platform, allowing verification.
Authorities have also introduced QR code-based authentication on original work orders. By scanning the QR code, contractors can directly access official records and confirm whether a document is genuine.
Officials have advised businesses and contractors not to make payments or accept project documents without independent verification through authorised government channels.
The alleged scam has emerged as a major challenge for authorities preparing for one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The incident highlights the growing risk of technology-based fraud, where criminals misuse digital tools, government branding and fake authentication methods to deceive people.
Authorities are now focused on identifying all accused persons, recovering money allegedly involved in the fraud and ensuring that genuine Kumbh Mela projects continue without disruption. The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority has urged contractors and citizens to remain alert and verify all government-related documents before entering into financial agreements.
