Irrigation Officer Arrested after Police Find Rs 319,000 in Suspicious Bank Withdrawals

A 44-year-old civil servant is in police custody following his arrest on Wednesday, 22 April, after detectives reportedly discovered a cache of falsified documents, including a dead man’s identity card bearing the suspect’s photograph.

The man, an officer within the Irrigation Department, was apprehended by Criminal Investigation Division (CID) officers at approximately 15:00 on 22 April 2026.

He is expected to appear in court today, Thursday 23 April, to face charges related to the use of forged documents.

The Search and Discovery

The investigation began when a police constable flagged the man’s behaviour as suspicious. He was subsequently taken to the Brisée-Verdière CID office for a body search.

During the search, conducted in the presence of two officers, investigators recovered a National Identity Card.

While the card was issued in the name of a third party—whom the suspect identified as his deceased cousin—it featured the suspect’s own photograph.

Seizure of “Doubtful” Documents

A further search of the man’s bag uncovered a significant collection of administrative and financial records, all registered under the same third party’s name.

The seized items included:

• Financial Records: A bank statement showing withdrawals totalling over Rs 319,000 and a receipt for jewellery valued at more than Rs 66,000.
• Legal & Medical Papers: A birth certificate, a recent medical certificate, and various administrative documents.
• Identification: A copy of a driving licence and a bus pass intended for a person with a disability.

Ongoing Investigation

Following his interrogation, the suspect was informed of his rights and detained. Local authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains active.

Detectives are now working to determine the exact origin of the falsified papers and to assess the full extent of any potential offences committed.

Source: l’Express