Fraudster takes Goa government for a ride

PANJIM: In typical Bollywood style, a conman fooled the State Administration by claiming to be a minister of the Uttar Pradesh government and enjoyed the Goa government’s ‘State Guest’ status for a period of 12 days.

He was arrested a few days ago by Crime Branch, after someone found him boasting about cheating the State. The man, Sunil Singh, came from UP claiming to be a cabinet minister and was accompanied by four colleagues. He was granted accommodation at the State’s Circuit House, and given a government vehicle and security.

The incident has left the State administration shocked and embarrassed. Sources in the government reveal that the man had sent emails and letters from the UP government official address and letter heads respectively. 

The email actually mentioned that the man would be in Goa and be granted ‘special guest status’. “Mr Sunil Singh is the Minister for Co-operation in the Government of Uttar Pradesh and be granted State Guest Status. He will in Goa to study the Co-operative Sector in Goa,” the email states.

Co-operation Minister Govind Gaude fell for the bait and asked the Chief Secretary to oblige. Gaude had written to Chief Secretary Parimal Rai stating that “Minister for Co-operation, Government of Uttar Pradesh Sunil Singh will be in Goa from December 18 to December 27 as such he should be granted status of State Guest.”

Interestingly, the man also announced that the UP government will give a one-time grant of Rs 10 cr to the State’s Co-operative sector. 

While Gaude was not available for comment, GAD and Protocol Secretary Isha Khosla told Herald that the police have arrested the men and are investigating the matter.

Asked on what basis they conferred ‘State Guest status’ to Singh, she replied, “We had emails from the UP government account, letters on UP government letter heads and as such there was nothing suspicious.”

She said Protocol Department verifies only when there is some suspicion. Khosla also rejected reports that the men were accommodated at a five-star hotel in Dona Paula.

Crime Branch has taken into custody five persons, nearly 10 days after their stay in Goa. While all claimed they were BJP members, one impersonated as UP cabinet minister to avail accommodation at the government’s Circuit House, Altinho and other facilities. 

The letter, which thereafter rose suspicious, had mentioned that they should be given privileges on par with any State cabinet minister. Currently in police custody, the accused had even tried to meet a State minister but were denied an appointment.