Police in Maharashtra have arrested a man accused of running a large-scale employment scam that targeted hundreds of job seekers desperate for government clerk positions. The accused, whose identity has been withheld in early reports, allegedly collected money from victims under the pretense of securing them official clerk posts in various state government departments.
The scam came to light after multiple complainants registered cases with local police stations, describing how they were approached through social media advertisements and word of mouth. The accused reportedly promised guaranteed selection in clerk-level government recruitments, claiming to have inside connections with hiring authorities. Victims were asked to pay anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹15 lakhs each, depending on the position and department they sought.
Investigators said the total amount siphoned off exceeds ₹57 lakh from at least two dozen victims spread across several districts. The money was allegedly transferred through bank accounts and digital payment platforms, with some victims paying in cash through intermediaries. Financial records obtained by the investigation team show a pattern of frequent transactions from multiple complainants to accounts linked to the accused.
The Maharashtra Police's economic offences wing took up the case after initial complaints were filed in late last year. During questioning, authorities learned that the accused had been operating for roughly eighteen months, targeting unemployed youth particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where government jobs carry outsized prestige and financial security.
Police confirmed the accused is currently in judicial custody and has been produced before a local court. The investigation is ongoing, with officers tracing additional accounts and attempting to locate more victims who may not have come forward. Authorities have urged anyone who lost money to similar promises to register a complaint at their nearest police station or via the state's cybercrime portal.
