SRINAGAR: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch Kashmir (CBK) has registered a criminal case against seven individuals for allegedly cheating and duping people, particularly unemployed youth, by falsely promising government jobs in exchange for money.
Officials said the case was registered following a written complaint received by the EOW, in which the complainant alleged that the accused persons had been fraudulently inducing job aspirants by offering appointments in various government departments, including banks, the Agriculture Department and defence services.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly collected approximately Rs 39 lakh from multiple victims on the assurance of securing them government employment. However, instead of arranging legitimate appointments, the accused are alleged to have issued fake and forged appointment orders to the victims.
Following receipt of the complaint, the Economic Offences Wing initiated a preliminary verification to ascertain the veracity of the allegations. During the enquiry, the claims were found to be prima facie substantiated.
Investigators revealed that the accused had allegedly managed and used SIM cards registered in the names of other individuals to carry out the fraudulent activities and to evade detection. Further verification of the appointment letters provided to the victims confirmed that the documents were forged and had no legal authenticity.
Officials said the acts of the accused prima facie disclose the commission of offences punishable under Sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), 472 (making or possessing forged documents) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
Accordingly, cognisance of the matter has been taken and a formal case has been registered at Police Station Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch Kashmir. Further investigation is currently underway to identify additional victims, trace financial transactions and determine the broader extent of the alleged fraud.
The Economic Offences Wing has advised the general public, particularly unemployed youth, to remain vigilant against individuals or groups offering government jobs in return for money.
Police have reiterated that recruitment to government services is conducted only through authorised agencies and established procedures, and no appointment can be secured through private intermediaries.
Members of the public have been urged to report any such fraudulent activities to the nearest police station or directly to the Economic Offences Wing to prevent further victimisation.
