Karnataka MLA Demands Forensic Probe into Alleged Forged CMO Document
V Sunil Kumar, a prominent Karnataka legislator, has escalated demands for a comprehensive forensic investigation into an allegedly forged document that has been linked to the state's Chief Minister's Office (CMO). This development has sparked significant concerns regarding the integrity and operational transparency of the administration.
Police Case Registered Following CMO Complaint
The controversy intensified on Friday when the CMO formally lodged a police complaint concerning the circulation of a fabricated note on social media platforms. According to reports from news agency PTI, this counterfeit document falsely asserted that a district health and family welfare officer from Mandya had been appointed as the deputy commissioner of excise in Mysuru.
The case has been officially registered at the Vidhana Soudha police station against an unidentified individual. Authorities are proceeding under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that address forgery and the utilization of forged documents. The CMO has alleged that this act was executed with malicious intent, specifically aimed at defaming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress-led state government.
MLA Questions CMO Functioning and Demands Forensic Examination
In a pointed post on social media platform X on Saturday, Kumar, who represents the Karkala constituency, raised serious questions about the operational standards of the Chief Minister's Office. "If the letter bearing the Chief Minister's signature itself is fake, should we not reflect on how the Chief Minister's Office is functioning?" he questioned.
Kumar asserted that this incident highlights profound concerns about administrative oversight. "This clearly shows that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is now focussed only on the chair and not on the functioning of his office," he alleged.
The legislator has formally called for a forensic examination to ascertain the authenticity of the signature on the document. "If this letter is fake, then the authenticity of the signature on it must also be established. Therefore, the signature should be subjected to examination by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to determine whether it is genuine or forged," Kumar stated.
He further speculated, "It would not be surprising if this turns out to be a major 'letterhead' scam operating within the Chief Minister's Office."
MLA Raises Critical Questions About Document Origin
Kumar elaborated on several unresolved questions surrounding the document's emergence. "Why did the Chief Minister sign a letter without a date? Who were the persons who got the letter signed? What benefit did they derive from it? All these aspects should come out through an investigation," he emphasized.
He cautioned that without a thorough probe, "the investigation ordered by Siddaramaiah would appear to be a 'kill the messenger' tactic."
Kumar clarified his own involvement, noting that he had referenced the letter under the belief it was genuine. "Like Siddaramaiah, I too am a person in public life -- a responsible MLA in the opposition. Believing the letter I received to be genuine, I cited it as an example of administrative lapses in the government," he explained.
He maintained that those labeling the document as fake also bear responsibility to ensure a comprehensive investigation. "Those who argue that the letter is fake also bear some responsibility, because it carries the signature of the Chief Minister of the state. Before declaring the letter itself as fake, there should also be an investigation into the alleged 'letterhead' scam," Kumar added.
Chief Minister Responds to the Controversy
In response to the unfolding controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the issue on Friday, characterizing the creation and dissemination of the fake note as a serious and condemnable offence. He urged social media users to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it.
The Chief Minister highlighted the risks associated with modern technology, cautioning that "spreading unverified content in the age of Photoshop or artificial intelligence (AI) could also constitute a crime."
This incident underscores ongoing tensions within Karnataka's political landscape and raises broader questions about document security, administrative accountability, and the challenges of misinformation in the digital era.
