Mumbai, Jul 30 (PTI) Police have registered a case against two men in Mumbai for allegedly cheating six persons of more than Rs 68 lakh on the false promise of securing government jobs, an official said on Thursday.
The accused, identified as Yogesh Jagannath Patankar and Suryakant Nivrutti Magare, are absconding, and a special police team has been formed to trace and nab them, he said.
According to police, the duo allegedly lured victims by claiming they had influential contacts in the Maharashtra government and could secure government jobs in return for money.
During the investigation, police found that the accused had allegedly cheated six victims, including a retired nurse from the city-based G T Hospital, of a total of Rs 68.5 lakh. Investigators suspect that more people may have fallen prey to the racket, and the amount involved could rise as the probe progresses.
Police said one of the accused had previously worked at the G T Hospital and was known to the retired nurse.
In 2014, he allegedly introduced the second accused to the victim, claiming he had strong connections in the Mantralaya and had successfully secured government jobs for several unemployed candidates by charging a commission.
Believing the claims, the victim allegedly paid Rs 5 lakh in instalments after being promised a Senior Clerk’s post in the Mantralaya for her son. However, despite repeated assurances, no appointment was provided, police said.
Whenever the victim sought updates, the accused allegedly cited procedural formalities and asked her to remain patient.
During the follow-up, the victim was allegedly sent to a primary health centre at Khopoli on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway for a medical examination, where she reportedly met several other candidates and their parents who had also paid money to the accused after being promised government jobs.
Police said all six victims were allegedly cheated of Rs 68.5 lakh, but none received the promised employment even after nearly 12 years.
Whenever the victims demanded either the promised jobs or a refund, the accused allegedly avoided them by giving different excuses, the official said.
Following verification of the allegations, the Azad Maidan Police registered an FIR against both the accused under relevant provisions pertaining to cheating and criminal breach of trust.
As both accused remain absconding, a special team has been constituted to trace them, police said.
The police have so far received complaints from six victims and appealed to those, who may have been cheated by the accused, to approach the Azad Maidan police station in south Mumbai, the official added. PTI ZA NP
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