The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police has filed a chargesheet against two residents from Punjab, Bakshish Singh and Amandeep Singh, for their involvement in a fraudulent Military Engineering Services (MES) recruitment scheme. The charges, lodged on Tuesday, reveal a complex scam that dates back to early 2023.
The alleged scam surfaced when the duo duped two job seekers from Samba district, Jammu, promising them lucrative placements in the MES in exchange for a total of Rs 14 lakh. The victims reported the crime, leading authorities to act against the accused.
The Special Crime Wing (SCW) of the Crime Branch Jammu submitted the chargesheet to the Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, Samba, outlining the offenses committed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
According to the Crime Branch spokesperson, the accused, Bakshish Singh from Amritsar and Amandeep Singh from Jalandhar, are at the center of a systematic forgery plot. While Bakshish Singh was apprehended in Amritsar after extensive police efforts, Amandeep Singh remains at large despite a series of raids and a lookout notice that authorities have placed against him.
Authorities have initiated proceedings to declare Amandeep a proclaimed offender as the investigation progresses.
The scam deeply affected the victims, who received counterfeit appointment letters. They were misled into traveling to various cities, including Ranchi and Meerut, under the guise of undergoing medical exams, document validation, and joining protocols.
After verifying with MES authorities, the Crime Branch confirmed that these appointment letters were entirely fake. The MES never issued such documents, exposing the fraud’s extensive reach.
During the inquiry, the SCW meticulously gathered a range of evidence, including documentary proof, digital records, and financial transactions that corroborated the victims’ claims. This evidence included bank transaction records and forensics on questionable documents.
In light of this case, the Crime Branch has issued a warning to the public to stay alert against potential job scams. They advise individuals to verify the authenticity of job offers through official government channels before transferring any amount.
The unfolding situation serves as a crucial reminder of the growing incidence of employment frauds across the nation, particularly in the context of competitive job markets. As scams like this one highlight, individuals must exercise caution in the recruitment process.
