In an unusual case of workplace deceit, Barath Gopal, a 29-year-old analyst, was fined S$4,000 after admitting to forging his grandfather’s death certificate to secure compassionate leave from his job. The case highlights the lengths some individuals might go to when faced with personal distress.
The Incident
After discovering his girlfriend’s infidelity in November 2023, Gopal found it difficult to concentrate on work. Instead of using the four days of annual leave he had available, he opted to fabricate a family tragedy, claiming that his grandfather had died in his sleep on 8 November 2023.
Leave Granted
His request for three days of bereavement leave was promptly approved by his company. This was the maximum duration allowed under their policy. However, Gopal faced complications when his supervisor asked for a death certificate to confirm his claim.
The Forgery
To cover his tracks, Gopal delayed providing the document, stating he needed to wait for his father to return from India. On 7 December 2023, he reached out to the stepmother of a deceased friend, obtaining a digital copy of that friend’s death certificate.
He then edited the certificate using an app, replacing his friend’s details with those of his grandfather and omitting the QR code, which is crucial for verification.
Consequences
On 11 December 2023, Gopal submitted a portion of the forged certificate. His employer eventually realised the irregularities, and he resigned shortly thereafter, anticipating the inevitable discovery of his deception. His actions resulted in a financial loss of nearly S$500 for his employer due to the paid leave.
The Law
Forging a death certificate can lead to serious legal ramifications, including a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine of S$10,000, or both, according to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act.