Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly have registered two fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) against an alleged fraud syndicate accused of impersonating an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and cheating job seekers by promising government employment. Complainants alleged that the gang’s key accused falsely projected herself as a trainee IAS officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), collected large sums of money, issued forged appointment letters, and later threatened victims when they demanded refunds. Police have intensified the investigation and are also preparing legal proceedings to seek attachment of the accused persons’ properties.
The first case was registered on the complaint of Munish, a resident of Bihari Pur Civil Lines in Bareilly. According to the complaint, in January 2024 a vehicle displaying an “SDM” insignia arrived at his sweet shop. A woman stepped out, introduced herself as a trainee IAS officer, and later identified herself as Dr. Vipra Sharma during subsequent meetings. She allegedly promised to secure a government job as a Lekhpal for Munish’s son, Harsh, in Badaun.
The complainant alleged that the accused demanded ₹15 lakh for arranging the appointment. Believing the representations, he allegedly paid a total of ₹8.60 lakh on different occasions. Subsequently, he received what was claimed to be an appointment letter purportedly issued by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission, along with assurances that the accused, accompanied by her father and sister, would facilitate Harsh’s joining.
According to the complaint, Munish later came across media reports stating that the accused was not a government officer and had multiple criminal cases registered against her. When he approached the accused’s family seeking a refund, they allegedly refused to return the money.
The second FIR was lodged on the complaint of Munish’s maternal uncle, Ramesh Chandra. He alleged that the same group promised to secure a government peon’s job for his son at the Badaun Development Block office. According to the complaint, the accused collected ₹2 lakh in cash and took possession of his son’s educational certificates on the pretext of completing the recruitment process.
Ramesh Chandra further alleged that he later discovered the woman was not a serving government officer. When he demanded the return of his money and documents, he was allegedly threatened with dire consequences.
Based on the complaints, police have registered separate cases and initiated a detailed investigation. Investigators are examining the alleged forged appointment letters, financial transactions, educational documents, and other available documentary and digital evidence to verify the allegations.
Police are also trying to determine whether the alleged gang targeted additional job seekers using a similar modus operandi. Investigators are scrutinising banking records, documentary evidence, and the role of other persons named in the complaints to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud.
Commenting on such employment frauds, renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters frequently exploit the prestige associated with senior government positions, forged identities, and fabricated appointment letters to gain victims’ trust. He advised job seekers never to pay money in exchange for promises of government employment, noting that all legitimate government recruitment is conducted through officially notified selection procedures. He also urged applicants to independently verify appointment letters, recruitment claims, and the identity of officials with the concerned government department before parting with money or original documents.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further legal action will depend on the evidence collected. Officials added that previously registered criminal cases against the accused are also being reviewed, and appropriate legal steps are being initiated to seek attachment of the alleged gang’s properties through the court. Investigators have also appealed to any other potential victims to come forward with relevant evidence to assist the investigation.
