JAMMU, OCT 24: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Jammu has filed a chargesheet against a Health Department employee accused of securing a government appointment as a Dental Assistant on the basis of an allegedly forged matriculation certificate, exposing suspected irregularities in the recruitment process.
The chargesheet has been presented before the Court of the 4th Additional Munsiff, Jammu, against Sohan Lal Singh and his father, Veer Singh, who has since died, in connection with FIR Number 55/2025 registered under relevant provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
According to the Crime Branch, the case originated from a communication received from CID Headquarters, J&K, alleging that Sohan Lal Singh had been working as a Dental Assistant at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Arnia for nearly two decades by allegedly relying on a fraudulent Class 10 certificate.
During the investigation, led by DySP Vishal Sharma, investigators reportedly found that Singh had passed Class 8 but had not cleared the matriculation examination. The alleged discrepancy raised questions about the authenticity of the educational documents used to pursue professional training and obtain the government appointment.
The investigation also involved forensic examination of the disputed educational records. According to the Crime Branch, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Jammu, detected erasures and chemical alterations in the marksheet. School records examined during the probe reportedly revealed discrepancies concerning the accused’s date of birth.
Investigators further alleged that Singh’s father, who was employed as a driver in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had procured forged educational documents for his minor son. These documents were allegedly used to complete Dental Assistant training and subsequently secure an appointment through the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board.
The Crime Branch stated that the evidence collected during the investigation established a prima facie case under Sections 420, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B of the RPC, relating to cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy.
With the filing of the chargesheet, the matter will now proceed before the competent court for judicial consideration. The allegations against the accused remain subject to adjudication.
The EOW, Crime Branch Jammu, has reiterated its commitment to investigating economic offences and cases involving alleged fraud in public employment. It has also urged members of the public to report suspected economic offences through email at sspcrimejmu@jkpolice.gov.in or by contacting 0191-2578901.
The case highlights the importance of verification of educational qualifications and supporting documents during recruitment to public services, particularly where appointments depend on prescribed academic eligibility criteria.
