Sikkim Police arrest two men for alleged tampering and sharing of doctored police communication about salary payments

Sikkim Police, through its Crime Branch-CID, has arrested two men in connection with an allegation that an internal police communication related to salary processing was altered and shared in a misleading way. The police said the matter was linked to a message that was originally meant for accounts personnel and concerned a routine accounting adjustment used for timely preparation of government salary bills.

As per the CID statement, the arrests were carried out on the night of July 21, within Pakyong district jurisdiction, after a court issued non-bailable warrants. The accused were identified as Mahesh Rai and Albert Gurung. Police said Mahesh Rai is from Lower Polok in Borong, Ravangla, in Namchi district, while Albert Gurung is from Chujachen, Rongli, in Pakyong district.

How the alleged doctored message was circulated

The CID case, registered as Case No. 03/2026, was based on a complaint filed by personnel of the Accounts Branch at Police Headquarters. Police said that on July 9, administrative directions about the routine adjustment were shared through an internal WhatsApp group meant exclusively for accounts personnel posted across different Sikkim Police branches and units.

Police alleged that the two men obtained access to the contents of this internal communication, removed it from its original technical and administrative context, and then materially altered it. The police said the altered message was supplemented with statements attributed to the Finance Department that were not part of the original communication.

The CID further stated that the modified version was then circulated on social media, portraying the routine adjustment as a shortage of funds for salary payments. Police described the narrative as false and misleading, saying it was capable of causing public concern and creating misunderstanding and indiscipline among government personnel.

Notices issued before arrest; investigation ongoing

Police said notices were served first under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, directing the accused to appear before the investigating officer. After repeated non-compliance, the investigating officer moved the court on July 20 for non-bailable warrants, which were issued by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Gangtok.

In the CID statement, police said the arrests were conducted in accordance with law, with separate arrest memos prepared for each accused, and that their rights and grounds of arrest were communicated. The police said digital and documentary evidence is being examined to determine the origin, alteration, and electronic circulation of the communication. The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations are subject to court proceedings. Police also urged people to verify information through authorised sources before forwarding material involving official or sensitive administrative matters.