A forgery case involving fake signatures of Odisha Assembly Deputy Speaker Bhabani Shankar Bhoi has raised serious concerns as police struggle to arrest one of the accused.
The case surfaced on June 12 after a complaint was lodged at the Capital police station.
Investigators revealed that two assistant engineers allegedly forged the Deputy Speaker’s signature and used a fake letterhead to prepare transfer recommendation letters. The accused attempted to secure transfers to the Sundargarh district using these forged documents.
Police arrested one accused, Laxhman Hembram, assistant executive engineer of Harichandanpur block, on June 14. However, the second accused, Monalisa Behera of Banshapal block, remains absconding even after ten days. Officials admitted that despite issuing summons, she has not cooperated with the investigation.
Capital police formed a four-member special team to track her movements. Officers confirmed raids are being conducted at multiple locations. Senior officials of the Commissionerate Police stated that more individuals may be involved in the conspiracy, and the investigation has been intensified.
The Deputy Speaker’s personal secretary, Niranjan Kumar Sahu, filed the complaint against the two engineers. Police seized the forged documents and sent them for forensic examination. Sources said Monalisa Behera ignored repeated calls to join the probe.
