A major organised fraud racket involving promises of government jobs in Indian Railways, the Indian Army, and the Postal Department has been busted in Uttar Pradesh, with the Special Task Force (STF) arresting two key accused from the Dilaari area of Moradabad. The gang is alleged to have cheated more than ₹5 crore from over 50 job aspirants across multiple districts by issuing fake appointment letters and using forged recruitment processes. Police have handed over both accused to the local police, while efforts are underway to trace other members of the network.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vivek Kumar, a resident of Bilari in Moradabad, and Ashraf Ali, a resident of Dhakia Peeru in Dilaari, Moradabad. According to preliminary investigation, the duo was part of a larger organised network operating from Moradabad and Delhi, which specifically targeted unemployed youth preparing for government jobs in coaching centres, colleges, and competitive exam circles.
STF officials said the gang lured candidates by promising recruitment in multiple government departments and collected between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh per candidate. Initially, aspirants were made to fill application forms and were then assured of selection in exchange for large sums of money. Victims were allegedly shown fake documents and manipulated with fabricated assurances to build trust.
Investigators revealed that the accused created fake email IDs using the names and official logos of government departments. Through these forged communication channels, the gang sent fabricated appointment letters to candidates, making them believe they had been selected for government jobs. After this, the aspirants were taken to Delhi, where they were shown departmental premises and introduced to another gang member posing as an official.
During this staged “training” process, candidates were also issued fake identity cards to maintain the illusion of authenticity. After a week of such activities, the victims were sent back home, only to later realise they had been cheated.
Police investigations have so far identified more than 50 victims from districts including Moradabad, Meerut, and Baghpat. Officials estimate that the total amount collected through the fraud exceeds ₹5 crore. The STF is now examining bank accounts, financial transactions, and digital records linked to the accused to trace the money trail and identify additional members of the network.
A surprising detail emerging from the investigation is that the main accused, Vivek Kumar, is a Divyang (differently-abled) individual and works as a Shikshamitra (assistant teacher). According to officials, he allegedly formed the gang nearly two to three years ago along with associates, including individuals with technical expertise who helped create fake documents and manage digital operations.
Authorities are also probing whether the racket has links with similar job fraud networks operating in other states. The STF has intensified raids to arrest absconding members and dismantle the wider network involved in the scam.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further legal action will be taken based on financial records, digital evidence, and statements of victims. Police have also urged job seekers to verify recruitment offers only through official government channels and avoid paying money to any private agents or intermediaries claiming to offer guaranteed government employment.
