Overview
- In a late-night statement, the department said no files were digitally signed and no certificates were issued on January 28, the day Ajit Pawar died.
- Earlier official accounts reported a first issuance logged at 3:09 pm on January 28, with seven approvals that day and 75 within three days, which is now under examination.
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stayed the approvals and sought a comprehensive report, warning of strict action if irregularities are found.
- Deputy secretary Milind Padmanabh Shenoy was removed from his post as the controversy prompted administrative action and scrutiny of procedures.
- The department called the allegations baseless and said the online process follows a 2013 government resolution with district-level verification, while Minister Sunetra Pawar has directed a thorough probe.