Lucknow: A man accused of cheating unemployed candidates of around ₹5 crore on the pretext of securing government jobs and subsequently staging his own kidnapping to evade repayment demands has been arrested in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The accused, identified as 37-year-old Satyaratna Dixit, was apprehended by the Lucknow Police surveillance team at a hotel in Ahmedabad. According to the police, he allegedly collected substantial sums from dozens of candidates by promising them permanent positions in various government departments and a reputed medical institution.
According to the investigation, the alleged fraud came to light when candidates discovered that their appointment letters were fake and began demanding refunds. Dixit allegedly fabricated a kidnapping story to avoid his creditors. He reportedly claimed that two suspicious sports utility vehicles (SUVs) had been following him and that he had subsequently been abducted, creating confusion about his whereabouts. However, the police traced his location through technical surveillance and arrested him in Ahmedabad.
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Fake Appointment Letters Used to Collect Around ₹5 Crore
According to the police investigation, Dixit allegedly approached unemployed candidates with promises of securing government jobs. He claimed that he could arrange appointments at the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), the Public Works Department (PWD) and a reputed medical institution. Hoping to secure government employment, several candidates allegedly paid him substantial amounts of money.
To gain their confidence, the accused allegedly provided appointment letters designed to resemble official documents issued by the concerned departments and institutions. These forged letters were reportedly used to convince candidates that their recruitment formalities had been completed and that they had secured jobs.
Through this alleged scheme, Dixit collected approximately ₹5 crore from dozens of unemployed candidates. The fraud reportedly came to light when candidates approached the respective departments and institutions to join duty using the appointment letters. During verification, questions were raised about the authenticity of the documents, exposing the alleged forgery.
Repayment Pressure Allegedly Prompted Kidnapping Drama
After the alleged fraud was exposed, the affected candidates began demanding the return of their money. As pressure mounted and the possibility of legal action increased, Dixit allegedly devised a plan to divert attention from himself.
According to the police, he fabricated a story about his own kidnapping to mislead people and avoid repayment demands. News of his disappearance reportedly caused concern among family members and others connected to him. Initially, there were concerns that he might have become the victim of a criminal incident.
Claimed Two Suspicious SUVs Were Following Him
According to information related to the case, Dixit allegedly claimed that two suspicious SUVs had been following him before he was kidnapped. The story was reportedly intended to create the impression that he himself had fallen victim to a crime.
However, the police began examining the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the available technical evidence. Investigators sought to establish whether he had actually been abducted or had deliberately gone into hiding. As part of the inquiry, they examined digital evidence linked to his mobile phone activity and location.
Mobile Location Leads Police to Ahmedabad
During the investigation, the Lucknow Police surveillance team analysed the accused’s mobile network activity, location data and other digital evidence. Technical surveillance provided indications that he was in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Acting on the information, a Lucknow Police team travelled to Ahmedabad and raided a hotel, where Dixit was arrested. He was subsequently brought to Lucknow for further legal proceedings. The police are continuing to investigate the alleged job fraud and the circumstances surrounding the purported kidnapping.
Investigation Into Cheating and Forgery Continues
The accused is being investigated over allegations of cheating, forgery, preparing fraudulent documents and misleading the police. Investigators are examining the suspected financial transactions, the number of victims and the methods allegedly used to prepare and distribute fake appointment letters.
The exact number of affected candidates and the amount allegedly collected from each individual have not yet been disclosed in the available information. The allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process, and their final determination will depend on the evidence and judicial proceedings.
The case also serves as a warning to young people seeking government employment. Candidates should verify job offers directly with the relevant department rather than relying solely on intermediaries. Demands for money in exchange for jobs outside official recruitment procedures, particularly when accompanied by suspicious appointment letters, may indicate fraud. Applicants should independently confirm the authenticity of recruitment notices, appointment documents and selection procedures before making any payment.
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