A major organised recruitment fraud has been exposed in Bareilly, where a gang allegedly targeted unemployed youth by promising government jobs and impersonating senior officials such as IPS, IAS, and SDM officers. The alleged mastermind, Vipra Sharma, is accused of leading the network and using multiple fake identities to trap victims. Police have registered a total of 13 cases against the gang, including nine fresh FIRs, and the investigation is ongoing.
False Promises of Govt Jobs and High‑Value Cheating
According to police sources, the gang had been active for a long period and operated in a structured manner to lure job seekers with promises of appointments in various government departments. Victims were allegedly cheated of amounts ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹15 lakh, under the pretext of securing jobs such as Block Development Officer (BDO), clerk, computer operator, constable, and driver.
Investigations have revealed that the accused prepared forged appointment letters, fake government seals, and fabricated documents to gain the trust of victims. In several instances, fake appointment letters were even sent to victims’ homes through postal services, making the fraud appear like a legitimate recruitment process.
Police officials stated that Vipra Sharma was the central figure in the racket, often introducing herself as a senior administrative officer. Her associates, including family members and close aides, allegedly played a key role in identifying victims and collecting money through deception.
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Multiple Cases and Forged Postings Exposed
In one case, a victim was allegedly defrauded of ₹5.25 lakh in 2021 on the promise of a job as an Assistant Development Officer. His educational documents were also taken by the accused during the process. In another incident, two brothers were called under the pretext of securing operator jobs in a block office and were cheated of ₹8.65 lakh.
Several complaints further revealed that victims were shown fake postings in districts such as Shahjahanpur and Badaun. However, upon verification, all appointment letters and documents were found to be forged. In another case, a complainant alleged that he was introduced to a person claiming to be the driver of Vipra Sharma, who assured a government job for his son and later defrauded him of ₹8 lakh. Fake appointment letters were also delivered to support the deception.
Police records indicate that when some victims demanded refunds after discovering the fraud, they were allegedly threatened with false legal cases and intimidation, suggesting that the gang also used fear tactics to silence complaints.
Fake IDs, Money‑Trail Probe, and Ongoing Probe
Investigators have found that the entire network relied heavily on fabricated identities, counterfeit government documentation, and pre-designed appointment letters to build credibility and mislead victims.
Following initial complaints, police uncovered the racket and arrested Vipra Sharma along with several associates, sending them to judicial custody. Since then, more victims have come forward, leading to an increase in the number of registered cases.
Authorities confirmed that a total of 13 FIRs have now been registered across different police stations in Bareilly. Officials believe that more victims may emerge as the investigation progresses further.
Financial and digital investigation teams are currently analysing bank transactions, mobile records, and other evidence to trace the complete money trail and identify additional links within the network.
Police officials stated that the case highlights how unemployment and lack of awareness are being exploited by organised recruitment fraud networks. The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are expected as more connections within the racket are uncovered.
