Agra police have arrested three individuals allegedly involved in a fake job racket that promised aspirants placement in the Territorial Army. The scam, which has been operating for several months, preyed on unemployed youth by offering fraudulent recruitment through forged appointment letters and fake training calls.
According to police sources, the gang operated by impersonating senior army officials and used counterfeit seals and forged documents to convince victims of the authenticity of the recruitment process. The accused reportedly took advance payments ranging from ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakh from each candidate, promising confirmed positions in exchange.
Modus Operandi: Imitating the Army’s Command
Investigators revealed that the gang maintained a structured setup, with specific roles assigned to each member. Fake call letters were distributed on letterheads mimicking official army documents. Victims were lured through word-of-mouth publicity and false networks claiming close ties with defence personnel.
The arrests were made following multiple complaints filed by aspirants across Uttar Pradesh. Police launched a coordinated operation after verifying the documents and tracking mobile communication patterns. The accused were apprehended from a rented apartment in Agra, where several forged documents, laptops, ID cards, and mobile phones were seized.
Among the arrested is the suspected mastermind who had previously served as a clerk in a private recruitment firm. Authorities believe more individuals are involved and further arrests are likely in the coming days.
Officials Warn of Wider Network
Several aspirants who fell victim to the scam have come forward, describing how they were made to undergo mock tests and even received fake training schedules. Many reported that they had mortgaged property or borrowed money to pay for what they believed were legitimate placements.
The Uttar Pradesh police have issued an advisory warning job seekers to verify recruitment details directly through official government portals. The case has been registered under multiple sections of cheating, impersonation, and forgery under the Indian Penal Code.
Military authorities have confirmed that the Territorial Army does not authorize recruitment through intermediaries and urged citizens to report suspicious activity. Police are also coordinating with military intelligence for further investigation.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.