One held for cheating KSHDC

The Ashoknagar police, based on a complaint lodged by the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC) director Gokul, have arrested the manager of Mars Security and Allied Service (MSAS) Manohar.

The investigation has revealed that Manohar cheated KSHDC and earned huge sums by enclosing fake bills. The KSHDC had entrusted supervising of security of Cauvery Emporium between 2007-09 June, to the MSAS.

Sources said Gokul received an anonymous letter about the financial misappropriation involving MSAS and a few officials of KSHDC. He constituted a team to conduct an inquiry in that regard.

Inquiry began on March 21. Interestingly, the fire mishap occurred on March 31. The MSAS did not give any information about how the incident took place either to KSHDC or to the police.

On April 1, Manohar sent a letter stating that 85 workers of MSAS rendered service in March and enclosed a bill for Rs 3.51 lakh. However, the KSHDC higher ups sought details of attendance. Manohar gave details of only 30 workers and sought for Rs 2.14 lakh.

The next month, Manohar stated that 30 workers rendered service in April though the Emporium had stopped functioning due to the fire mishap. He had enclosed another bill for Rs 2.14 lakh. He sent across another bill for Rs 2.14 lakh for the service of 39 workers for the month of June. After thorough the KSHDC officials found out that Manohar had employed only 23 workers.

In a written complaint on August 6, security supervisor Chenne Gowda stated that Manohar threatened him and directed him to give bills for 85 workers instead of 33. Inquiry also revealed that Manohar had enclosed fake certificate while bagging contract. Interestingly, the KSHDC’s internal inquiry has revealed hands of a few insiders including general manager (staff) Devaprasad R. The investigating team has recommended the KSHDC to recover the financial loss from Devaprasad.

The fire was allegedly set to destroy fake bills in the building.