BELAGAVI
A fake Covid certificate issuing diagnostic lab was busted in Belagavi on Thursday, after a person was found allegedly issuing Covid negative certificates to people travelling to other states.
Police suspect that the accused had issued fake Covid reports to those travelling to Goa and other states.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday evening, DCP Dr Vikram Amathe said the CEN police headed by CPI B R Gaddekar raided the lab which was set up Peeranwadi, after getting specific information about the activity.
The accused, Hasansab Abdulkhader Sayyad (44), was arrested, while a car, computers, printers, disposable syringes, fake stamps, rapid antigen test cards and other materials worth Rs 65,000 was also seized. Cash of Rs 24,000 was also recovered from the lab.
Police said the person was engaged in generating fake medical reports, including fake Covid negative certificates, which are required by those travelling to the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Goa.
Police added that there were no registration certificates or any legal documents in the lab.
A case was registered at Belagavi Rural Police Station while further investigations are on, DCP Dr Amathe said.
He also announced a cash reward to the police team unearthing the fake lab.
Meanwhile, citizens have been warned to be aware of such touts who are engaged in issuing fake certificates and fake reports, which may put lives at risk.
