Bhubaneswar: An engineer of the Odisha government was taken into custody by the Commissionerate Police on Wednesday over the alleged forgery of the Assembly Deputy Speaker’s signature and the use of a fake letterhead in an attempt to secure job transfer.
The accused, identified as Lakshman Hembram, is posted as Assistant Executive Engineer at Harichandanpur in Keonjhar district. He was apprehended and brought to Bhubaneswar for questioning, sources said.
Another accused, Monalisha Behera, a Junior Engineer posted at Bansapal Block in Keonjhar district, is currently stated to be absconding. A hunt is on to trace and apprehend her.
Police said Hembram is being forwarded to court and others’ involvement in the document forgery case is being investigated. “Hembram has been charged with forgery and cheating and efforts are on to get more information from him,” said Ramesh Chandra Bisoi, ACP, Zone 1, Bhubaneswar.
The forgery came to light after the PS to the Deputy Speaker lodged a complaint with Capital Police, alleging misuse of Bhawani Shankar Bhoi’s name and the circulation of forged official communication. The fake letter reportedly carried the Deputy Speaker’s forged signature and was used to recommend transfers of government employees.
Police officials said the investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy, including the preparation and circulation of the forged documents, and to identify all individuals involved.
The accused have been booked under relevant sections for forgery and cheating.
