On June 18, the Karkala city police apprehended Akshaya Devadiga, a 29-year-old data entry operator from Marne village, for attempting to defraud the Pervaje Sri Mahalingeshwar temple by forging checks. Devadiga had been working at the temple, which falls under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Department of the Karnataka government, from December 1, 2022, to May 7, 2026. During an audit, discrepancies and negligence in his work were uncovered, prompting him to resign without explanation and abscond from work. Later, he submitted six checks linked to the temple’s Indian Overseas Bank account for encashment on June 24. However, bank officials grew suspicious, and upon investigation, it was revealed that the checks were forged, bearing the fake signature of the temple committee chairman. A case has been filed at the Karkala Nagar Police Station, and Devadiga has been arrested and presented in court. The police are investigating the matter further.
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📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi