Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 9: A man was detained by Goa Police after he allegedly took charge as the state’s Excise Commissioner using a fake appointment letter, following a promise of a government job in exchange for Rs 27 lakh.

The accused, identified as Manoj Talekar, reportedly arrived at the Excise Department office and briefly occupied the commissioner’s chair, claiming he had been appointed to the post. Suspicious department staff alerted the police on Thursday and sought verification of the appointment order.

According to a police official, Talekar told investigators that he had paid Rs 27 lakh to a person identified as Ajit Shankhwalkar, who had promised to secure him a government job. In return, Shankhwalkar allegedly handed him an appointment letter and instructed him to assume charge as Goa’s Excise Commissioner.

Department officials checked the order with senior government authorities and discovered that no such appointment had been issued. The letter was allegedly signed by the previous commissioner.

The post had been vacant for a few days following the transfer of the incumbent, IAS officer Asvin Chandru.

Police have registered an FIR and detained Talekar. Efforts are underway to trace Shankhwalkar, while further investigation into the alleged fraud continues.