Two fraudsters in Pune allegedly cheated 117 job seekers of ₹3.73 crore by promising direct government appointments without interviews. Police have launched a manhunt.
Key Takeaways
- 117 job seekers targeted by two fraudsters in Pune.
- Total fraud amount estimated at ₹3.73 crore.
- Promises included direct recruitment in State and Central departments without interviews.
- Accused used forged appointment letters and fake selection lists.
In a massive crackdown on recruitment fraud, the Pune Rural Police have uncovered a scam where two men allegedly duped 117 job aspirants of ₹3.73 crore. The accused, identified as Subahu Sarkar (alias Rana) and Pramod Hagwan Gurav, promised guaranteed recruitment in various state and central government departments, including Railways and ONGC, without the need for interviews.
The Modus Operandi
According to the FIR filed at the Baramati police station, the fraudsters claimed to have high-level connections within the Maharashtra Mantralaya and various government sectors. To gain credibility, they allegedly presented fake selection lists and forged appointment letters bearing official government seals. They even went as far as calling candidates for bogus 'training sessions' to maintain the illusion of legitimacy.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this scam exploits the intense competition and desperation within the job market. By charging ₹5 lakh for state jobs and ₹6 lakh for central roles, the accused targeted the socio-economic vulnerabilities of candidates. The sophistication of their forgery—using fake seals and official-looking documents—highlights a growing trend of organized white-collar crime in recruitment sectors.
The use of forged government seals and fake training calls demonstrates a highly organized criminal network designed to manipulate the hopes of unemployed youth.
The investigation revealed that the complainant, a labor contractor, had gathered 117 candidates between 2023 and 2025. A significant portion of the money, totaling over ₹3.33 crore for Sarkar alone, was collected through a mix of cash and online transfers. The scam came to light only when candidates attempted to report to their supposed places of posting.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which departments were involved in the scam?
The accused claimed to have influence in Health, Forest, Water Resources, Social Welfare, Railways, and ONGC.
2. What is the current status of the police investigation?
Multiple police teams have been formed to track down the accused, and cases have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for forgery and cheating.
