Suspicious Aadhaar cards in Shimla’s Gumma bazaar raise concerns, trade unions demand probe

Shimla, September 18: Concerns have been raised over the authenticity of documents of Muslim traders from outside states doing business in Gumma bazaar in Shimla district. The Gumma Vyapar Mandal (trade association) has complained to the Kotkhai police, flagging suspicious details in the Aadhaar cards of 46 of the 86 traders belonging to the Muslim community. The issue stems from the fact that these 46 traders have the same date of birth – January 1 – on their Aadhaar cards, raising suspicion of irregularities.

Gumma Vyapar Mandal president Devendra Singh, highlighting the concerns, said the association has collected Aadhaar cards of all these traders. The Gumma trade community has demanded a probe into the authenticity of the Aadhaar cards, suspecting possible forgery. “The truth behind these Aadhaar cards must be unearthed,” Singh asserted.

He further urged that traders from outside states should be required to submit additional documents including identity proof, character certificate and voter ID card at both the Vyapar Mandal and the police station. Singh also demanded that traders should not be allowed to operate their businesses until their documents are thoroughly verified.

Reiterating the demand for strict regulations, the Kotkhai Vyapar Mandal has also lodged a written complaint at the Kotkhai police station. Kotkhai Vyapar Mandal president Madan Gangta, vice-president Pradeep Ghalta and secretary Gyan Chand reiterated the need to verify the credentials of traders and hawkers coming from other states. They stressed that such inspections should be mandatory before allowing anyone to operate any business in the area.

Kotkhai police station in-charge Ankush Thakur confirmed receiving complaints from both trade organisations. “We have received letters from the Vyapar Mandals and the matter will be thoroughly investigated. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” Thakur said.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted amid growing concerns over the influx of traders from outside states in the region and the need for strict document verification to ensure legitimacy and security in business operations.