Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly have registered two fresh First Information Reports (FIRs) against an alleged fraud syndicate accused of impersonating an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and cheating job seekers by promising government employment.

According to the complaints, the main accused allegedly posed as a trainee IAS officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), collected large sums of money, issued forged appointment letters and later threatened victims who demanded refunds. Police have intensified the investigation and are also initiating legal proceedings to seek attachment of the accused persons’ properties.

Alleged Promise of Lekhpal Job for ₹15 Lakh

The first complaint was filed by Munish, a resident of Civil Lines in Bareilly.

According to the FIR, in January 2024, a vehicle displaying an "SDM" insignia arrived at his sweet shop. A woman allegedly introduced herself as a trainee IAS officer and later identified herself as Dr. Vipra Sharma.

The complainant alleged that she promised to secure a Lekhpal job for his son, Harsh, in Badaun and demanded ₹15 lakh for arranging the appointment.

Believing the representations, Munish allegedly paid ₹8.60 lakh on different occasions.

He further alleged that he later received what appeared to be an appointment letter purportedly issued by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission along with assurances that the accused and her family would facilitate the joining process.

Second Victim Alleges ₹2 Lakh Paid for Peon Recruitment

A second FIR was lodged by Ramesh Chandra, Munish's maternal uncle.

According to his complaint, the same group allegedly promised a government peon's job for his son in the Badaun Development Block Office.

Investigators said the accused allegedly collected ₹2 lakh in cash and also took possession of the applicant's educational certificates for the recruitment process.

Ramesh Chandra alleged that after learning the woman was not a government officer, he demanded the return of his money and documents but was instead threatened.

Police Examining Forged Documents and Financial Records

Police have launched a detailed investigation into the allegations.

Investigators are examining:

• Alleged forged appointment letters
• Banking transactions
• Educational documents
• Digital evidence
• Financial records

Authorities are also verifying whether similar methods were used to target additional job seekers.

Property Attachment Proceedings Being Prepared

Police said they are reviewing previously registered criminal cases involving the accused.

Investigators are also preparing legal proceedings to seek attachment of properties allegedly connected to the suspected fraud network, subject to applicable legal procedures and court approval.

Officials have appealed to any other potential victims to come forward and assist the investigation.

Job Seekers Urged to Verify Recruitment Claims

Experts warn that fraudsters frequently misuse the names of senior government officials and departments to gain public trust.

Citizens should remember that legitimate government recruitment is conducted only through officially notified examinations and selection procedures.

Applicants should never:

• Pay money for government jobs.
• Hand over original documents without verification.
• Rely on unofficial appointment letters.
• Trust recruitment promises made through personal influence.

Maintaining organised financial records through bookkeeping services in india can also help individuals and businesses preserve payment evidence, document financial transactions and support legal recovery efforts in the event of fraud.

Conclusion

The Bareilly case highlights how fraudsters may exploit the prestige associated with senior government positions to deceive job seekers.

Police continue to investigate the alleged network, while authorities urge citizens to verify recruitment claims directly through official government channels before making payments or submitting original documents.

Shunyatax Global Insight

Employment frauds often rely on authority, urgency and fabricated official documents rather than genuine recruitment processes. Once victims transfer money or surrender original certificates, recovery becomes significantly more difficult.

Shunyatax Global believes individuals should maintain proper records of every payment, communication and document shared during any recruitment process. Professional bookkeeping services in india can help preserve financial evidence, organise transaction records and strengthen documentation that may become important during legal proceedings or fraud investigations.