Panaji: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Saturday assured strict action against those involved in duping a person by offering him the post of Excise Commissioner.
Goa Police detained Manoj Talekar on Thursday after he appeared at the Excise Department with a fake appointment letter and took charge as Additional Excise Commissioner.
The scam came to light after department staff noticed something suspicious. Panaji Police immediately detained Talekar, who claimed that he had received the appointment letter from Ajit Shankhwalkar in exchange for a bribe of Rs 27 lakh.
Police are on the lookout for Shankhwalkar, against whom a case has been registered.
On Saturday, the Chief Minister told reporters that he had asked the police department to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.
“No one would be spared. I have asked the police to investigate the case and arrest the accused,” he said.
When asked about reports that the accused had forged the Chief Minister’s signature to issue a fake appointment letter, Sawant reiterated that no one would be spared.
“It is truly unfortunate to see educated people falling prey to these scams. Graduates, post-graduates and even people who have previously worked in government service are getting duped,” the Chief Minister said, referring to fake government job scams.
Sawant said the state government would confiscate the properties of those found to be involved in such scams.
The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and verify suspicious communications with the concerned government departments.
