Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala

Karkala, Jul 19: The Karkala town police have arrested a data entry operator on charges of attempting to withdraw money by forging signatures on cheques belonging to the bank account of Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Pervaje in Karkala taluk.

The arrested accused has been identified as Akshay Devadiga (29), a resident of Enneholay Hanchikatte in Marne village.

The accused was working as a data entry operator at the Pervaje Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Hindu religious institutions and charitable endowments department of the Karnataka government, from December 1, 2022, to May 7, 2026. During a departmental audit, dereliction of duty and irregularities reportedly came to light. When asked for an explanation, he failed to provide any details, resigned from his post, and remained absent from work.

Later, on June 24, he submitted six cheques related to the temple's Indian Overseas Bank current account for encashment. This raised suspicions among the bank manager and staff. Upon verification, it came to light that the accused had submitted the cheques by forging the signature of the temple committee president without bringing it to his notice, police said.

A case has been registered in this regard at the Karkala town police station. The accused was arrested and produced before the court.