Ex-serviceman arrested for duping 20 youths on false job promise

A first information report in this regard was filed by 21-year-old Harshwardhan Bhosale from Kavathe Mahankal in Sangli district.

On Sunday, Pune Newsline highlighted how Puneites are being increasingly cheated by fraudsters.

An ex-serviceman from Kolhapur was arrested on Wednesday evening for allegedly cheating over 20 youths to the tune of Rs 58.5 lakh. He had promised the youths jobs in various units of defence services in Pune and had given them fake appointment letters.

A first information report in this regard was filed by 21-year-old Harshwardhan Bhosale from Kavathe Mahankal in Sangli district. Bhosale named Sandeep Gurav of Kolhapur, an ex-serviceman, who had approached him saying he could help him get recruited as subhedar with some military units in Pune. Gurav was finally arrested on Wednesday evening by the police.

Inspector Anil Patil of Pune police’s crime branch said, “Last year a soldier recruitment drive was held in Sangli. We now know that Gurav got in touch with some of the candidates who did not pass. He promised them jobs in Military Hospital, Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and some other military units in Pune. He took money from them ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. He said he will ensure their recruitment for the rank of subhedar.”

Inspector Patil said, “As of now we have 21 youths with complaints about Gurav. The fraud came to light after these youths approached the military units with appointment letters which turned out to be fake. We are also probing how he forged these letters and if any more number of youths have been cheated like this. Gurav’s interrogation may lead us to more facts.”

An offence in this regard has been registered against Gurav under Indian Penal Code sections for cheating and forgery.

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