Mayor's PA arrested in counterfeiting signatures of municipal commisioner

The police arrested the personal assistant cum stenographer of Patiala mayor accused of forging the signatures of municipal commissioner Indu Malhotra, who is also holding additional charge of Patiala deputy commissioner (DC).

The police arrested the personal assistant cum stenographer of Patiala mayor accused of forging the signatures of municipal commissioner Indu Malhotra, who is also holding additional charge of Patiala deputy commissioner (DC).

It is alleged that the officer's signature was forged to promote Amandeep Singh, another accused in the case, from the post of skilled helper to regular peon.

Lakhvir Singh, the accused, was evading police arrest since June 8. Amandeep was arrested but later released on bail, while a third accused, Satpal Singh has purportedly filed for anticipatory bail in Punjab and Haryana high court.

Prima-facie, it seems the accused not only forged signatures of the top official, but also tampered with records and misplaced an official file, in which joint commissioner Nazar Singh had earlier raised questions over changing Amandeep's cadre.

Lakhvir typed forged official orders in the mayor's office and attempted to forge Malhotra's signature.

"We have arrested the main accused and have started investigation. The third accused will be soon arrested", informed Hardeep Singh, SHO of civil lines police station.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.