A Singaporean Analyst Fakes Grandfather’s Death to Skip Work
In a bizarre turn of events, Barath Gopal, a 29-year-old analyst working in a financial services company in Singapore, found himself entangled in a web of deceit after discovering his girlfriend’s infidelity. Unable to focus on his job, Gopal resorted to extreme measures to avoid going to work, ultimately leading to his downfall.
With more than four days of annual leave at his disposal, Gopal could have easily taken time off to deal with his personal issues. However, on November 8, 2023, he concocted a plan to deceive his employer by fabricating his grandfather’s death. By feigning grief and claiming that his grandfather had passed away in his sleep that morning, Gopal successfully obtained three days of paid bereavement leave, the maximum allowed under the company’s policy.
When Gopal’s employer requested proof of his grandfather’s death in the form of a death certificate, he spun a web of lies by stating that he could only obtain the document after his father’s return from India on November 27, 2023. Desperate to maintain his ruse, Gopal reached out to the stepmother of a deceased friend, misleading her into providing him with a copy of her stepson’s death certificate under false pretenses.
Armed with the forged certificate, Gopal proceeded to manipulate the document, substituting his friend’s details with those of his grandfather. Altering critical information such as the cause and circumstances of death, Gopal attempted to cover his tracks by submitting a doctored version of the certificate to his team leader, intentionally omitting a crucial QR code that would have verified its authenticity.
As suspicions grew, Gopal made the hasty decision to resign from his job before his deceit could be uncovered. His employer, however, was quick to realize the deception, resulting in a loss of nearly S$500 (US$370) in paid bereavement leave that Gopal had fraudulently obtained.
The repercussions of Gopal’s actions were severe, as he was subsequently fined S$4,000 (US$3,000) for forgery under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act. The gravity of his offense was underscored by the potential penalties for forging official documents, including up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to S$10,000, or a combination of both.
Gopal’s misguided attempt to evade work by fabricating a death in the family serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the consequences of dishonesty and deceit in the workplace. His ill-conceived scheme not only resulted in financial loss for his employer but also tarnished his reputation and integrity in the professional sphere.
As we reflect on this peculiar incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in all aspects of life. Deception may offer temporary respite, but the truth inevitably comes to light, often with far-reaching consequences that outweigh any perceived benefits of deceit. In a world where integrity is valued above all else, the tale of Barath Gopal stands as a testament to the enduring power of truth and the perils of deception.
