SRINAGAR, Jan 18: The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir has booked seven individuals for their alleged involvement in a fake job racket, in which unemployed youth were cheated by being lured with false promises of Government employment and issued forged appointment orders.
In an official statement issued here, the Crime Branch said a criminal case has been registered against the accused for cheating and duping innocent job aspirants, particularly unemployed youth, under the pretext of providing appointments in Government departments. The case originated from a written complaint received by the EOW, alleging that the accused were fraudulently inducing aspirants by promising them Government jobs in various sectors, including banks, the Agriculture Department, and Defence services.
According to the investigation agency, the accused allegedly collected around Rs 39 lakh from multiple victims by assuring them of appointments in Government services. However, instead of facilitating legitimate employment, the accused are alleged to have handed over fake and forged appointment orders to the victims.
Following receipt of the complaint, the EOW initiated a preliminary verification. During the probe, the allegations were found to be prima facie substantiated, prompting the registration of a formal criminal case. The agency further revealed that the accused had used and managed SIM cards registered in the names of other individuals to carry out acts of cheating and fraud, indicating a well-planned modus operandi.
The Crime Branch stated that verification of the appointment orders supplied to the victims confirmed that the documents were fake and forged. On the basis of the evidence collected so far, the actions of the accused disclose the commission of offences punishable under Sections 420, 468, 472 and 120-B of the RPC.
Accordingly, cognisance has been taken and a case has been formally registered at Police Station EOW, where further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, recover the cheated amount, and uncover the full extent of the racket.
The Crime Branch has also issued a strong advisory to the general public, especially unemployed youth, urging them to remain vigilant against individuals or groups offering Government jobs in exchange for money. The agency has appealed to citizens to immediately report any such fraudulent activity to the nearest police station or the EOW to prevent further victimisation.