PANAJI, October 9: A man was detained in Goa after allegedly attempting to take charge as the state’s additional excise commissioner using a fake government appointment letter, which he reportedly obtained after paying ₹27 lakh for the promised post.
According to officials, Manoj Talekar walked into the Goa Excise Department on Thursday, claiming he had been appointed to the position. The post had fallen vacant following the transfer of incumbent Asvin Chandru, an IAS officer.
Talekar reportedly presented an appointment order bearing the alleged signature of the former excise commissioner and briefly occupied the additional excise commissioner’s chair. However, department staff grew suspicious and verified his claims with senior officials, who confirmed that no appointment order had been issued in his name.
The department subsequently alerted the police. A senior police official in Panaji said Talekar was detained and an FIR was registered against him for impersonation.
During questioning, Talekar allegedly told investigators that he had paid ₹27 lakh to Ajit Shankhwalkar, who promised to secure him a government job. Shankhwalkar allegedly provided him with the appointment letter and instructed him to assume charge as the state’s additional excise commissioner.
Police are now attempting to trace Shankhwalkar as the investigation into the alleged fraud continues.
The incident highlights how promises of government employment can be used to dupe people through forged official documents and fraudulent appointment claims.
