A significant security breach has been revealed during the Maharashtra Assembly session, leading to the Mumbai Police filing a case against five individuals for allegedly producing and circulating fake entry passes. The arrests were carried out by the Marine Drive Police after a thorough investigation into the incident.
Preliminary details indicate that the unauthorized creation of counterfeit entry passes for Assembly session access was discovered following concerns raised by state Minister Uday Samant. This discovery prompted swift action by law enforcement authorities. Police officials have disclosed that, as part of the probe, five individuals, some of whom are reportedly associated with the State Secretariat (Mantralaya), have been apprehended. The accused individuals are identified as Keshav Gunjal, Ganpat Bhau Jawale, Nagesh Shivaji Patil, Manoj Anand Morbale, and Swapnil Ramesh Tayade.
Authorities have initiated a search for additional suspects believed to be connected to the illicit operation. The incident has highlighted serious security protocol deficiencies during a crucial legislative session. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the fake passes, the authorization process behind their issuance, and any potential internal collaboration that may have facilitated the scheme.
The Maharashtra Assembly’s budget session began on February 23 and concluded on March 25. Notably, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the State Budget for 2026–27 on March 6, unveiling an ambitious financial plan amounting to Rs 7.69 lakh crore. The budget featured a crop loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers with outstanding dues until September 30, 2025. The Chief Minister estimated that approximately 28–30 lakh farmers would benefit from this initiative. Moreover, under the ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana,’ about 20 lakh farmers who have consistently repaid their loans will receive Rs 50,000.
Several significant bills, including the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, and the Indian Judicial Code (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2026, were passed during the session.
