A major irregularity has surfaced in Gwalior Municipal Corporation’s stray dog sterilization programme, with investigators uncovering the alleged use of a forged affidavit linked to the sterilization of hundreds of street dogs. The case relates to operations carried out at the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre between March and April 2022, during which 656 stray dogs were reportedly sterilized.

According to officials, a municipal inquiry found that an affidavit submitted as part of the project documentation contained serious discrepancies. Investigators allege that the stamp paper was purchased and signed by one veterinarian, while the affidavit was submitted in the name of another doctor. Following the findings, police have registered a criminal case for fraud and forgery and launched a detailed investigation.

The complaint was filed by Municipal Corporation nodal officer Keshav Singh Chauhan, who approached Padav police station after reviewing the inquiry report. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against veterinarian Dr. Raviraman Sharma.

Questions Over Project Documentation

Municipal records show that a Chhattisgarh-based organisation had been awarded the contract for sterilization of stray dogs under the civic body's Animal Birth Control programme in 2022. Under established guidelines, sterilized dogs must be released back at the same location from where they were captured. An affidavit confirming compliance with this requirement was submitted to the corporation.

During verification, officials found that the affidavit had been prepared on stamp paper purchased in the name of Dr. Raviraman Sharma and also carried his signatures. However, the document submitted to the Municipal Corporation reportedly mentioned the name of another veterinarian, Dr. Raghav Parashar.

Officials believe the discrepancy may have been intended to mislead authorities and conceal the actual source of the affidavit.

FIR Registered After Inquiry

The matter came to light after the Municipal Corporation sought clarification from the organisation involved in the project. According to reports, the organisation acknowledged that Dr. Raviraman Sharma was posted at the ABC Centre during the relevant period and had handled the affidavit-related process.

Following the inquiry, municipal authorities forwarded their findings to the police. Preliminary investigation revealed sufficient grounds to register a case involving the alleged use of forged documents and fraudulent representation.

Police have begun collecting original records, including the stamp paper and affidavit, as part of the evidence-gathering process.

Wider Concerns Raised

Officials say the case may not be limited to a single affidavit. The scope of the investigation is being expanded to examine whether any additional irregularities occurred in project records, claims submitted by the contractor, or related payment processes.

The incident has also raised concerns about oversight and accountability in government-funded animal welfare projects. Transparency in Animal Birth Control programmes is considered crucial because the projects are directly linked to public health and urban animal management.

Padav police station in-charge Shailendra Bhargava said the investigation is ongoing and all relevant documents are being examined. Authorities are also looking into the possible involvement of other individuals connected to the project.

For now, the Gwalior dog sterilization scam has emerged as one of the most closely watched civic investigations in the city, with officials indicating that further revelations may follow as the probe progresses.