Ex-clerks accused of causing Sikh board to lose $33k

Two former clerks with the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board, which administers two temples here, were charged in court yesterday over some $33,000 in losses they allegedly caused for the board.

Malaysians Jasvinder Kaur Dhillon, 29, and Sanjeet Jasbirsingh Kaur, 34, are said to have committed 16 and 11 offences respectively, many involving the forging and cashing of cheques in the name of then president Karpal Singh.

Engaging in a conspiracy together, they also allegedly prepared a voucher for an internal audit that falsely stated a $1,879.20 payment had been made to a stationery supplier.

Except for the five forgery charges that Dhillon faces alone, involving almost $11,000, she and Kaur are believed to have acted together on 10 other occasions.

Twice, they allegedly submitted a false payment voucher and supporting documents so that Mr Karpal Singh and Mr Manjeet Singh, the then treasurer, would authorise the issuing of some $3,700 in cheques.

In 2010, between Aug 25 and Dec 23, Dhillon is also accused of forging and signing cheques amounting to $18,610.40 under Mr Karpal Singh's name, which Kaur allegedly went on to cash.

Dhillon told the court she intended to claim trial to the charges against her, while Kaur indicated she would plead guilty.

The women, both of whom are out on $40,000 bail, said they would be engaging counsel. They will next appear in court on Dec 5.

A spokesman for the board had previously told The Straits Times that the case came to light in January 2011, during a routine check on the board's accounts for 2010.

For each of the forgery charges against her, Dhillon faces up to 15 years in jail and a fine if convicted.

Kaur faces the same punishment for each count of using a forged cheque.

This article was first published on Nov 15, 2014.
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