Maharashtra: Fake TT letters and ID cards used to dupe 13 in Rs 1 crore job scam

Accused claimed to have strong connections within the Railways recruitment system. Representation Pic/istock

Thirteen people were allegedly duped of Rs 1.02 crore under the pretext of securing employment in the Indian Railways. The Navghar police in Palghar registered a case late Saturday night and booked seven individuals in connection with the scam. According to the Navghar police, a case has been filed against seven accused from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

"Since the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) came into effect on June 1, 2023, and this crime occurred before March 2023 therefore, we have registered the FIR under relevant sections of the IPC, in accordance with the date of the offence." said investigation officer PSI Sampat Aher.

The complainant, a 46-year-old librarian at a Mumbai-based college and a resident of Bhayandar East, originally hails from Andhra Pradesh. His son, was looking for employment when the complainant reconnected with an old acquaintance from his native village, who promised to help secure a job for his son in the Indian Railways.

"The accused claimed to have strong connections within the Railways recruitment system and showed appointment letters and ID cards on his mobile phone, allegedly issued by the Indian Railways to other candidates he had helped secure TT (Travelling Ticket Examiner) and clerk positions," said a police officer.

Convinced, the complainant handed over Rs 10 lakh for his son's appointment as a TT. A few months later, the accused provided what appeared to be a genuine appointment letter and ID card, indicating that the complainant's son had secured a post in the Western Southern Railway in Andhra Pradesh.

The complainant shared the news with his extended family. Word spread, and more people expressed interest in securing railway jobs for their children. In total, families of about 13 young men collectively paid approximately Rs 1.02 crore, to the accused.

After receiving appointment letters and ID cards, the victims waited for further instructions. When no official communication followed, the complainant and others contacted the railway department, only to learn that the appointment letters and ID cards were fake. The complainant approached the Navghar police station and lodged a formal complaint.

"We have initiated a thorough investigation and written to Indian Railways to verify the documents submitted by the victims," said PSI Sampat Aher of Navghar police station. "A case has been registered under IPC sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 465, 468, 471, 472 (forgery-related offenses), 504 (intentional insult), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 120(B) (criminal conspiracy)."