Bhopal | A fresh case of job fraud has surfaced in the state capital, where a nursing professional was duped of ₹50,000 on the pretext of securing employment at AIIMS. What makes the case more alarming is that the accused were not strangers but known contacts of the victim. In this nearly year-old case, a complaint has been registered and one accused has been arrested, while the other remains absconding.
According to the case details, the 30-year-old woman, a resident of Sehore district, had completed her nursing studies in Bhopal and was working at a private hospital. During this time, she came into contact with Mukul Tyagi and Amar Chhava, also residents of Sehore, who were engaged in private work in Bhopal. Over time, the acquaintance developed into a level of trust.
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False ‘connections’ became the foundation of fraud
The accused convinced the victim that they had strong contacts within AIIMS and could secure her a job there. Driven by the aspiration for a government job and trust in familiar individuals, the woman fell into their trap. The accused demanded money for processing and facilitating the appointment, following which she paid ₹50,000 in cash.
Initially, the accused maintained communication to sustain trust, but gradually began delaying the process. Months passed without any appointment letter or progress, raising suspicion. After waiting for nearly a year, the victim finally approached authorities and lodged a complaint.
Truth revealed during investigation
During the investigation, it emerged that the accused had no real connections or ability to secure employment and had used false promises to extract money. A case of cheating was subsequently registered against Mukul Tyagi and Amar Chhava.
Action has been taken against Amar Chhava, who has been arrested, while the main accused Mukul Tyagi is still on the run. Efforts are ongoing to trace him, and investigators are also probing whether more victims were targeted using a similar method.
Rising trend of job-related frauds
Experts point out that frauds involving promises of government jobs are on the rise across the country. Criminals often claim influence or insider access in reputed institutions, making their claims appear credible and convincing to job seekers.
Reports by Future Crime Research Foundation also highlight this growing pattern, stating that employment-related frauds increasingly target young aspirants. These scams rely heavily on social engineering tactics, where trust is built first and then exploited for financial gain.
Expert warning on trust-based exploitation
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh emphasizes that trust is the primary weapon in such crimes. He notes, “Fraudsters first build a network of familiarity and trust, then exploit that very trust to extract money. When individuals fail to verify claims before making decisions, they become easy targets.”
How to stay safe from such frauds?
It is crucial to remain cautious when approached with offers of government jobs in exchange for money. Any recruitment process conducted outside official channels or involving unofficial payments is illegal. Individuals should always verify credentials and claims before proceeding.
Additionally, it is advisable to seek written confirmation, verify official communication channels, and cross-check details with the concerned institution. In case of suspicion or fraud, immediate reporting can help prevent further damage and aid investigation.
This incident once again underlines that fraudsters are not limited to anonymous online identities—they can also operate through personal networks. Awareness, verification, and caution remain the strongest safeguards against such deceptive schemes.
