Forgery for ailing mom

29-yr-old forges cheques issued by ammo factory and withdraws Rs 1 lakh to treat his ailing mother

A 29-Year old youth, who allegedly forged cheques issued to him by the Ammunition Factory Khadki (AFK) and withdrew additional amount of Rs 1 lakh, has been arrested by Khadki police on Monday.

Theregaon resident Daniel Anthony alias Nitin reportedly did this to raise money for the treatment of his ailing mother. AFK officer Omprakash Khatri from Range hills, Khadki, had filed the complaint against Anthony in the Khadki police station.

Police sub-inspector Geeta Bagawade investigating the case said,"Anthony was supposed to replace the wiper units of a machine in the factory plant. AFK officials had issued two cheques in his name on August 28 and November 7. After receiving these two cheques, Anthony changed the amount and figures mentioned on the cheque and withdrew an extra amount of Rs 1 lakh."

"During monthly audit, AFK officers became aware of this forgery incident and immediately approached the police. AFK officer Khatri filed a forgery case against Anthony at the Khadki police station," Bagawade said.

Bagawade said, "Anthony has been working on contract basis with the AFK since the last six months. After primary interrogation, he has confessed to the crime. He said that he did it to raise money for the treatment of his ailing mother."

In the past
Country's premier arms production unit has been facing many instances of thefts. Four of its employees were also suspected to be associated with the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and were under the scanner of Intelligence agencies. Despite the rigorous checks, thefts of ammunition have continued. Officials from the unit are however tight-lipped about it.

A worker Bholenath Bhegde (31), a resident of Range Hills, was caught selling bullets to a man identified as Santosh Pawar in November 2008. Earlier five workers were caught when they were trying to smuggleu00a0 bullets in tiffin boxes.

The state Anti-Terrorism Squad seized cartridges made at AFK from the residence of Aniruddha Pratapsingh Chouhan, Wadgaon Sheriu00a0 in May.