Former Zila Parishad chairperson booked for fake caste certificate

The Panipat City police have booked former Zila Parishad chairperson Kajal Deswal for allegedly producing a fake Backward Class-A certificate to contest elections.

The case has been registered under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC, said Inspector Deewan Singh, SHO, City Police, adding that the matter is under investigation.

In June, the Director General, Development and Panchayats Department, had already disqualified Deswal from her post after inquiries revealed the certificate was fake.

The complaint was filed by Pradeep Sharma of Binjhol, who alleged that Deswal contested the 2022 Zila Parishad election from Ward-13, reserved for BC-A, using fraudulent documents.

Official inquiries, including a detailed report by the DM, Saharanpur (UP), confirmed that Deswal actually belonged to the Hindu Rajput community (General category), not BC-A. The Panipat Deputy Commissioner later cancelled the certificate issued to her in 2022.

“The certificate was obtained through false affidavits, fraudulent declarations, and manipulated records — indicative of criminal intent and conspiracy,” the complainant alleged, demanding action against both Kajal and her husband Sandeep Deswal.