A 35-year-old civil engineer from Nashik has allegedly been cheated of ₹19.43 lakh after being promised a government job in the Zilla Parishad. Cyber police have registered a case against the accused, who allegedly used forged appointment documents, fake official communications and repeated demands for money to deceive the victim.
Job Promise Made During Travel
According to the complaint, the victim, Yogesh Karbhari Shinde, a resident of Gopal Nagar in Nashik, met the accused, Shrikant Nanasaheb Wankhede of Jalgaon, in December 2024 while travelling from Nashik to Chandwad.
Wankhede allegedly offered him a lift and claimed that he worked with the Public Works Department. He also allegedly claimed to have close links with senior government officials who could help secure a government job.
Police said the accused later contacted the victim through WhatsApp and claimed that a clerical post was available in the Zilla Parishad. He initially demanded ₹6 lakh, assuring Shinde that the appointment could be arranged through his official contacts.
Forged Appointment Letter Sent
Investigators said the accused continued to extract money by citing several administrative formalities, including document verification, correction of deficiencies, ministerial approvals, medical examination, fitness clearance and the District Collector’s signature.
Based on these claims, the victim allegedly transferred a total of ₹19.43 lakh through online transactions. To make the process appear genuine, the accused allegedly sent him a forged appointment letter for the post of Deputy Assistant, bearing the Zilla Parishad logo and fabricated signatures of officials.
The victim was also allegedly shown screenshots of purported WhatsApp conversations with senior government authorities to strengthen the deception.
Cyber Police Examine Digital Evidence
The alleged fraud came to light after the promised joining date passed without any appointment. As further demands for money continued, the victim consulted an acquaintance, who informed him that no such government recruitment process was underway.
After realising that he had allegedly been cheated, the victim approached the Nashik Cyber Police, following which a criminal case was registered.
Police are now examining digital communications, online payment records, forged appointment documents and other electronic evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify whether any additional individuals were involved. A researcher at Algoritha Security said job seekers should verify recruitment offers only through official government portals and avoid paying money for appointments.
