THANE: AIMIM corporator Sahar Shaikh’s father, Yunus Shaikh, against whom the Thane tehsildar has sought a criminal case over a “fake” caste certificate, on Monday claimed their documents are genuine.The Thane tehsildar’s office had recently recommended filing a criminal case against Yunus Shaikh, father of Mumbra corporator Sahar Shaikh, for allegedly using a forged caste certificate and securing an OBC certificate for his daughter on that basis.The recommendation followed an inquiry conducted by tehsildar Umesh Patil into a complaint filed by Siddiqui Farha Shabab Ahmed, the NCP candidate who lost to Sahar Shaikh in the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) elections. Ahmed had challenged the validity of Sahar’s caste certificate after the civic polls held in January in Mumbra, Thane.Addressing a press conference, the father-daughter duo alleged that the report submitted by the tehsildar to senior authorities was “one-sided” and demanded action against him.“I am being accused that I made fake documents and contested elections. People have put allegations on me. As a human, I am shocked by the lies that are being spread. We held a press conference today, which was important. I will see those who put allegations on me in the court. Everyone will be answered legally, ” Sahar Shaikh told ANI.Sahar Shaikh pointed to the impact of “adverse publicity and trolling” on social media, warning that such campaigns could lead to untoward incidents and must be curbed.She also told the media that she was more comfortable speaking in Hindi, adding that switching to Marathi could lead to errors that might trigger controversy.“We are Indian Muslims and will remain so and love our country,” she added. The duo alleged they were being targeted by vested interests with the intent to defame them, adding that legal notices have been issued to the complainant, certain political groups, and sections of the media over the alleged defamatory claims.(With agency inputs)
