Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): A couple has been booked in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly cheating a family of ₹6.82 lakh by falsely claiming they could arrange a canteen contract at a government hospital and secure jobs in the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Kotwali Police have registered a case of fraud and launched an investigation following a complaint from the victim.
According to police, Devendra Thakkar, a resident of Tikrapara under the Railway Maharashtra Division, met Rahul Mishra and his wife Padma Janardan at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Hospital. During their interactions, Rahul allegedly introduced himself as an influential ED officer and claimed he could secure the canteen contract at SIMS Hospital in Koni. He also allegedly assured the complainant that he could arrange jobs in the Enforcement Directorate for the victim’s son and one of his friends.
The complaint alleges that, in return for these promises, the accused collected a total of ₹6.82 lakh through multiple bank transfers as well as cash payments. Despite the payments, neither the canteen contract was awarded nor were the promised jobs provided. The complainant became suspicious and demanded the return of the money.
The victim alleged that after repeated demands, the accused refunded a portion of the amount but allegedly failed to return the remaining ₹1.62 lakh. He subsequently approached the Kotwali Police Station and lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against Rahul Mishra and Padma Janardan under the relevant provisions related to cheating. Investigators are examining bank transactions, cash payments, supporting documents and other evidence. Police are also trying to determine whether the couple used the same modus operandi to defraud other people by promising government jobs or public contracts.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, financial frauds involving fake promises of government jobs, contracts and official appointments have been increasing in recent years. Fraudsters often impersonate influential government officials or claim connections with government agencies to gain victims’ trust before collecting money under false pretences.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said fraudsters frequently rely on social engineering tactics by falsely claiming links with government departments or senior officials to deceive job seekers and contractors. He advised the public to remain cautious of anyone demanding personal payments, asking for money to be deposited into private bank accounts or claiming they can guarantee government employment or contracts through influence.
Police have urged citizens not to trust claims of guaranteed government jobs, tenders or contracts without independent verification. Anyone claiming to be a government official and demanding money in exchange for appointments or contracts should be reported immediately to the concerned department and law enforcement authorities so that timely action can be taken to prevent fraud.
