Police in Himachal Pradesh have arrested a female bank peon in Hamirpur district for allegedly defrauding unemployed youths and their families of around Rs 20 lakh on the pretext of securing them government jobs. The woman, whose identity has been withheld as the investigation continues, was taken into custody on October 24 following a case registered at the Sadar Police Station. She had reportedly collected substantial sums across Hamirpur, Palampur, and Rampur by assuring jobseekers guaranteed public sector employment. When the appointments failed to materialize, she repeatedly delayed repayments, and the cheques she eventually issued bounced due to insufficient funds. During initial inquiries, police discovered that courts in Rampur, Hamirpur, and Jhanduta had already issued non-bailable warrants against her.
Series of Complaints Follow Bounced Cheques
The alleged scam came to light after an unemployed youth lodged a formal complaint stating that he had paid money to the woman after being assured of a government post. Following his report, multiple other victims approached the police with similar grievances, stating that they had handed over lakhs of rupees but received neither employment nor refunds. Investigators found that the woman targeted families across multiple towns, exploiting their desire for stable public employment. As pressure from victims mounted over time, she issued cheques to settle some of the claims. Every cheque deposited by the victims was dishonoured by the banks because of an inadequate account balance, directly leading to the formal police intervention.
Police Investigate Possible Accomplices and Network
Hamirpur police are now examining all financial transactions tied to the woman to determine the exact sums collected from each victim. While current complaints place the total fraud at approximately Rs 20 lakh, officers have not ruled out the possibility that the amount could rise as more victims step forward. Investigators are also probing whether the bank peon operated entirely on her own or worked alongside accomplices who assisted in approaching jobseekers, collecting cash, or arranging fraudulent assurances. Police officials noted that no secondary suspects have been officially confirmed yet, though questioning remains underway to verify whether an organized network was involved.
Authorities Warn Public Against Recruitment Intermediaries
The case has prompted authorities to advise jobseekers and their families against relying on private intermediaries who demand money in exchange for government employment. Officials emphasized that public sector appointments must strictly follow statutory selection procedures, official notifications, and verified recruitment channels. Job aspirants were urged to independently confirm all vacancies through authorized government departmental portals rather than trusting personal guarantees. The arrested woman remains in police custody under questioning, with further judicial proceedings and investigative steps pending the examination of evidence.
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