The Kumbh Mela 2027 project will adopt a QR code authentication system for all Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority work orders after alleged forged administrative approvals and commencement orders surfaced. The Maharashtra Government said the digital verification mechanism will help contractors and officials instantly verify the authenticity of project documents. Criminal cases have already been registered in connection with the alleged forged documents, with one accused arrested. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations are subject to judicial process.

Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027: Government to Introduce Uniform QR Code on Work Orders After Fake Approval Documents Surface

The Maharashtra Government has announced a uniform QR code authentication system for all Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority work orders following cases involving allegedly forged administrative approvals and commencement orders linked to public works.

The Nashik Kumbh Mela 2027 project is set to adopt a digital verification mechanism after the Maharashtra Government announced that every work order issued by the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority will carry a uniform QR code to help prevent fraudulent documents. The announcement was made by Industries Minister Uday Samant in a written reply during the State Legislature session.

According to the government’s reply, the proposed system is being developed to enable instant verification of official work orders and administrative approvals issued by the authority. The initiative follows reported incidents involving allegedly forged documents that were purportedly used to mislead contractors in recent months.

The move comes amid increasing expenditure on infrastructure for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, with authorities seeking to strengthen transparency, document authentication and public confidence in the award of government works.

Forged Work Orders Prompt Legislative Attention

The issue gained prominence after reports emerged over the past two months alleging that fake administrative approvals and commencement orders purportedly issued in the name of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority had been circulated, allegedly resulting in contractors being misled.

Following the reported incidents, the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority and the Nashik Divisional Revenue Office lodged police complaints. The matter was subsequently raised in the Legislature through a starred question by MLA Pankaj Bhujbal.

According to information placed before the House, infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores are currently being undertaken in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar for the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela, making the authenticity of official work orders a matter of significant public importance.

Reports cited during the discussion referred to three alleged instances in April and May involving forged administrative approvals and commencement orders. These reportedly included documents bearing forged signatures purportedly of Dr. Pravin Gedam, Chairman of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority, Kumbh Mela Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and a separate letter allegedly carrying the forged signature of the Chairperson of Shri Trimbakeshwar Devasthan and the District Judge.

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Government Details Investigation and Digital Safeguards

According to the government’s written response, the Central Government and the Government of Maharashtra have so far approved projects valued at approximately ₹34,750 crore for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela. With hundreds of development works underway, officials stated that verifying the authenticity of project-related documents has become increasingly important.

The reply further noted that criminal cases have been registered at Nashik Road Police Station and Bhadrakali Police Station, both under the jurisdiction of the Nashik Police Commissionerate, in connection with the alleged forged documents.

Government records placed before the Legislature also state that a contractor identified as Abhishek Zare of Thane has been named in the registered cases. The minister informed the House that one accused has been arrested, while the investigation is continuing. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial process.

During the discussion, MLA Pankaj Bhujbal also highlighted allegations that digital spoofing technology and forged signatures had reportedly been used to prepare fake work orders relating to projects valued at around ₹70 crore. He urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation and strengthen safeguards against misuse of digital systems.

QR Code Authentication System Planned

Responding to these concerns, Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the Legislature that a uniform QR code authentication system is being developed for every order issued by the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority.

Under the proposed system, scanning the QR code will allow users to verify the authenticity of a work order through a direct link to the corresponding document hosted on the official public portal. The government stated that this mechanism is intended to improve transparency, reduce the risk of fraudulent documents, and facilitate immediate verification by contractors, officials, and other stakeholders.

The proposed digital authentication initiative represents one of the government’s key responses to concerns over document integrity in large public infrastructure projects. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to pursue both criminal inquiries into the alleged forgery cases and implementation of enhanced digital security measures before additional Kumbh Mela projects are executed.

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Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.