Kollam: Cops start probe on fake Rifle Association records

Kollam: In the wake of allegations against students involved in criminal activities at the University College using fake sports quota certificates to secure grace marks in PSC exam, the Kollam West Police has started an investigation into a similar case in the name of Rifle Assoc-iation.

In a petition, Rifle Association Kollam district secretary Saju S. Das alleged forging its certificates in the name of national-level rifle championship for securing grace marks for higher studies.

He also filed a petition with the Governor, Chief Minister, and the State police chief demanding a Crime Branch probe.

“Fake certificates of 9th South Zone Shooting Championship held in Chennai August 21-26, 2017, were used for securing grace marks by more than ten shooters from Palakkad District Rifle Association and others,” Mr Saju told DC.

He had already filed a petition regarding this on February 2, 2018, with the police chief. But the action came only recently after the University College forgery came to light.

“The fake certificate has imprinted National level grace mark to be awarded in the name of Chennai Rifle Club and Tamilnadu Rifle Association. However, only the National Rifle Association has got the right to issue south zone certificates, which is also evidence for the forgery,” Mr Saju added.

The Kollam West police registered FIR based on the petition including the rifle association state secretary and a student who took admission in a higher secondary school in Palakkad on the accused list.

Mr Saju also alleged an RTI reply from the sports department stated the documents were not available.