NEW DELHI: A retired Delhi Police sub-inspector has allegedly been cheated of ₹40 lakh by a man who promised to secure government jobs for his son and daughter in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The accused allegedly collected ₹20 lakh for each candidate before handing over fake selection lists, departmental identity cards and appointment letters to convince the family that both children had been selected for the posts of Assistant Section Officer (ASO). The fraud came to light when the complainant visited an EPFO office with his children to complete their joining formalities. Following his complaint, Narela police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation.
Accused Allegedly Posed as EPFO Assistant Commissioner
According to the complaint, Govind Singh, a 67-year-old resident of Singhola village, had retired from the Delhi Police as a sub-inspector. In 2019, he was introduced to a man identified as Gyanesh Baweja through an acquaintance.
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The accused allegedly introduced himself as an Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner in the EPFO and used this claimed official position to gain Singh’s confidence. The complaint further alleges that Baweja frequently visited Singh in a car bearing the words ‘Government of India’, creating an impression that he held an influential government position.
The complainant alleged that the accused subsequently exploited this trust by offering to arrange government jobs for both his children. His claimed position and apparent access to official resources reportedly helped him convince the retired police officer that he could influence the recruitment process.
₹40 Lakh Demanded for Jobs for Both Children
In 2020, Baweja allegedly told Singh that vacancies for Assistant Section Officers had been announced in the EPFO and claimed that he was heading the entire recruitment process. He reportedly assured the complainant that he could guarantee government jobs for both children in exchange for ₹20 lakh per candidate.
According to the complaint, Singh agreed to the arrangement in the hope of securing his children’s future. He allegedly paid a total of ₹40 lakh to the accused, with ₹20 lakh intended for each appointment.
After receiving the money, the accused allegedly began staging activities to make the recruitment process appear genuine. The family was reportedly led to believe that the necessary formalities were being completed and that both candidates would soon receive their appointments.
Thumb Impressions Taken on OMR Sheets, Fake Selection List Handed Over
The complaint alleges that Baweja first arranged for both candidates to fill out recruitment application forms. Subsequently, he allegedly sent a man in his car near Rithala Metro Station, where the two candidates were asked to put their thumb impressions on Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets.
The exercise reportedly created the impression that the candidates were participating in an official recruitment procedure. A few days later, Baweja allegedly handed Singh a selection list bearing the names of both his children.
The accused also reportedly provided departmental identity cards and appointment letters for the two candidates. These documents allegedly reinforced the family’s belief that both children had been selected and could proceed with the joining process.
However, according to the complaint, the documents were fabricated and the purported appointments were not genuine. The alleged use of fake recruitment records and official-looking documents is now among the key aspects being examined in the case.
Fraud Exposed When Family Visited EPFO Office
The alleged fraud came to light when Singh personally took his son and daughter to an EPFO office to complete their joining formalities.
During their interaction with officials and verification of the documents, the family reportedly discovered that the selection list, identity cards and appointment letters were not genuine. They were also informed that no valid appointment process had been completed for the two candidates.
After discovering the alleged fraud, Singh approached Baweja and demanded the return of his ₹40 lakh. However, the accused allegedly continued to make excuses and delay repayment rather than returning the money.
After repeated attempts to recover the amount failed, the retired police officer decided to approach the police and submit a formal complaint.
Narela Police Register FIR; Other Complaints Reportedly Pending
Singh submitted a written complaint at Narela police station. Following a preliminary inquiry, police registered an FIR for alleged cheating on Thursday and initiated an investigation.
Investigators are examining the accused’s alleged role, the authenticity of the documents provided to the family and the methods purportedly used to extract money in the name of government recruitment.
According to police, complaints against Baweja and his alleged associates are also pending with the Crime Branch. This has raised suspicions that the group may have targeted other job seekers by promising government appointments in exchange for large sums of money.
However, the number of additional victims, if any, and the total amount allegedly collected through the scheme have yet to be established. These details will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Investigation May Be Transferred to EOW
Police are examining the available evidence, the number of complaints and the financial transactions allegedly linked to the case.
If the investigation establishes the involvement of multiple victims or points to a larger financial fraud network, the case may be considered for transfer to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police.
For now, investigators are probing the alleged ₹40 lakh fraud, the use of fabricated appointment documents and the accused’s claims of being an EPFO official. Further action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation and the findings regarding the alleged involvement of other individuals.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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