MUMBAI: Seven families were cheated of Rs 68.50 lakh on the promise of securing government jobs for their children, with the accused claiming to have influential contacts in the Maharashtra Mantralaya (State Secretariat). The Azad Maidan Police have registered a fraud case and launched a search for the accused.

 

According to Mumbai Police, a major fraud involving the collection of lakhs of rupees from multiple families under the pretext of providing government employment has come to light in the city. Acting on complaints filed by the victims, the Azad Maidan Police have booked two accused persons for cheating and criminal breach of trust.

 

Among the victims is a retired Sister-in-Charge from GT Hospital. Police said the accused collectively swindled Rs 68.50 lakh from seven families over several years by promising government jobs.

 

Investigators revealed that the scam dates back to 2014. The complainant was searching for employment opportunities for her son when Suryakant Nivrutti Magre, a neighbour and colleague residing in the GT Hospital staff quarters, approached her with an offer. Magre allegedly claimed that his relative, Yogesh Jagannath Patankar, worked at the Mantralaya and had considerable influence in securing government appointments.

 

The accused promised to obtain a Senior Clerk position in a government department for the complainant’s son and demanded Rs 5 lakh in return. Trusting Magre because of their professional and personal association, the complainant paid the amount in instalments between April and December 2014. Police said she even mortgaged her jewellery to arrange the money.

 

After receiving the payment, the accused allegedly continued delaying the appointment process. On December 10, 2019, the complainant’s son was sent to a Primary Health Centre in Khalapur for what was described as a mandatory medical examination. Upon reaching the centre, the family discovered that several other candidates and their parents had also been called for similar tests.

 

However, no appointment letters were issued. The accused allegedly continued making excuses, citing administrative delays and later the COVID-19 pandemic. As years passed without any progress, the victims realised they had been cheated.

 

Further investigation revealed that six other families had fallen victim to the same scheme, resulting in a total loss of Rs 68.50 lakh. The Azad Maidan Police have recorded statements from the victims and intensified efforts to trace and arrest the accused.