The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has suspended an employee from its accounts department after uncovering a serious case of forgery and fraud within its headquarters. Richard J, a junior assistant and data operator, has been accused of fabricating official documents, forging the signatures of senior KSRTC officials, and deceiving staff with false promises of job reinstatement and transfers.
As reported by the _Tribune_, Richard took money from employees in exchange for fraudulent services. He allegedly accepted Rs 60,000 from a dismissed driver, Nagaraj NA, under the pretext of revoking his dismissal. In another instance, he promised to transfer two conductors to Shivamogga and took Rs 1.35 lakh from them. To support his claims, he created fake transfer and reinstatement orders using scanned signatures of top officials.
The forged documents, printed and presented as authentic orders, misled the affected employees and raised serious concerns within the corporation. Officials of KSRTC said Richard’s actions not only defrauded his colleagues but also damaged the credibility of the institution by misusing the identities of high-ranking officers.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed KSRTC to conduct a detailed investigation and take necessary disciplinary measures. Acting on preliminary findings, the corporation has already suspended the accused employee.
The incident highlights the need for tighter controls on document handling and employee conduct within government bodies, as KSRTC now works to restore trust and prevent future misuse of authority.
