Pune. An IT company in Pune has been accused of collecting a total of ₹75.13 lakh from around 38 employees in the name of providing jobs and salaries. The employees have alleged that the company required them to pay around 30% of their annual salary package as a condition for employment. They allegedly paid between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh each. The company later shut down, and the employees claimed they were also not paid their salaries for around four months before its closure.
Police have registered an FIR against the Aundh-based company and six other people associated with it. The case has been registered at Chaturshringi police station. Action has been initiated under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The role of people associated with the company’s management and human resources department is being examined as part of the investigation.
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According to police, the complainants have alleged that the company collected substantial amounts from them before providing employment. The employees said the payments were sought as part of the employment process. Several employees allegedly made the payments in the hope of securing jobs and receiving regular salaries. A total of ₹75.13 lakh was allegedly collected from the 38 employees.
The complainants have submitted bank transaction records, payment-related screenshots and other documents to the police. Their statements have also been recorded as part of the investigation. Investigators are examining these documents and bank transactions to determine the accounts into which the money was transferred and how the funds were subsequently used.
The employees have also alleged that the company shut down around four months ago. They claimed that they had not received their salaries for the four months preceding the closure. After paying money in the hope of securing employment, the alleged non-payment of salaries further increased their financial difficulties. The complainants have sought a detailed investigation into the financial transactions involving the money allegedly collected from them and the unpaid salaries.
The matter has also been taken up with police and other authorities by the Federation of Information Technology Employees (FITE) on behalf of the affected employees. The organisation has sought a detailed examination of the company’s financial transactions and identification of all people allegedly involved in the matter.
The organisation has also raised concerns about the safety of the complainants. The employees have expressed apprehension that they could face threats, pressure or further financial exploitation during the investigation. The organisation has sought protection for the complainants against any such pressure.
Police said the search for the accused began after the FIR was registered. Investigators are examining bank accounts and other documents to establish why the money was collected from employees and where it was subsequently used. Police said further action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Experts monitoring cyber and employment-related fraud cases said demanding a large advance payment in exchange for a job can be an important warning sign. Before making any payment to a company, applicants should independently verify the appointment letter, company registration, physical office, official recruitment process and the legal terms governing the payment. In particular, when a large amount is demanded in exchange for employment or salary, employees should preserve all documents, payment records and bank transaction details.
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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