PUNE, Sept. 10 -- The Pune police used an unusual method to verify whether a Kurash certificate was genuine or fake. They asked candidates claiming to be trained players to demonstrate their sporting skills. Kurash is an internationally recognised combat sport: a form of upright wrestling in which two players attempt to throw each other to the ground while remaining on their feet. According to an officer investigating the alleged fake certificate racket, city police started physically testing candidates recruited under the five per cent sports quota to determine whether they actually possess the sporting skills claimed in their documents. The exercise is part of the investigation into an alleged racket involving fake or questionable Kurash certificates used to secure government jobs. Investigators found that 19 of the 104 posts available under the sports category in Pune police recruitment were filled by candidates who submitted Kurash certificates. Ten of them joined the force and are undergoing training, while nine are yet to join. Crime Branch officials said 71 candidates recruited to the police and other government departments under the sports quota since 2023 had submitted Kurash certificates. As part of the probe, police called some recruited candidates to a sports complex in Pune in August for verification. Police officers and Kurash experts questioned them and asked them to demonstrate their skills. "The practical assessment of some candidates produced negative results. This increased our suspicion," said a senior police officer. A source in the police department said each candidate was assigned a match where they had to fight an actual Kurash player. Each match lasted for four minutes as per the national and international standards. Authorities allowed the player a second or a third chance based on their performance. "Most of the candidates had secured only one medal during the 2016-2024 period. Majority of them were under stress and showed job loss fear. This might have impacted their performance. Authorities comforted them at every stage and offered them necessary time to settle down between sessions," the quoted officer said. However, according to sportspersons, judging any Kurash player's ability in just two or three matches is difficult, especially under performance pressure. Tejaswi Satpute, ACP (crime), Pune, said some organisations issued certificates despite having no affiliation with national-level Kurash associations. "These certificates were used to claim benefits under the five per cent sports quota, depriving genuine sportspersons of the benefits they were entitled to," Satpute said. "Pune city police received information about the matter, conducted a detailed investigation, and registered an FIR on September 3, arresting two accused." Gauhar Hasan, DCP (crime), said investigators found several discrepancies in the certificates. "Dharashiv and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were mentioned in certificates for events that were held before 2023, when these districts were still officially known as Osmanabad and Aurangabad. The districts were renamed in 2023. Additionally, names of male candidates were found in the women category."...