Farmer Defrauded of Rs 32 Lakh in Elaborate Railway Job Scam in Rajkot
In a distressing case of deception, a 51-year-old farmer from Piplana village in Rajkot district has been allegedly cheated of Rs 32 lakh by three individuals who falsely promised to secure a railway job for his son. The Manavadar police station has registered a formal case against the accused, Vivek Chauhan, Ravi Chotaliya, and Jashpal Bhatti, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
How the Fraud Unfolded Over 15 Months
According to the police complaint filed by farmer Chandulal Jadav, the scam began over a year ago when he was introduced to Vivek Chauhan of Shapur village near Vanthli through a family connection. Chauhan claimed to have strong ties with railway officials and assured Jadav that he could arrange a job for his son, Utsav, in the railways. He demanded an initial "expense" of Rs 2.5 lakh to initiate the process, which Jadav began paying in instalments.
As the scheme progressed, Chauhan introduced two accomplices, Ravi Chotaliya and Jashpal Bhatti, who posed as railway officials. The trio maintained regular communication with Jadav and his son over the phone, building trust and credibility. Over the course of 15 months leading up to October 2024, they convinced Jadav to transfer a total of Rs 32 lakh to Chauhan's bank account.
Forged Documents and Broken Promises
Despite the substantial payments, no official job order was ever received by the family. When Jadav repeatedly pressed for documentation, Vivek Chauhan sent a forged order in a PDF file via WhatsApp on October 1, 2024, claiming that the signed original would follow shortly. This move was part of the elaborate ruse to delay detection.
The deception was ultimately uncovered when the family discovered that Vivek Chauhan was not employed as he had claimed. They demanded a refund of their money, but the accused failed to return any funds, leading Jadav to approach the police.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Manavadar police have booked Chauhan, Chotaliya, and Bhatti under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 316 (2), 318 (2), 319 (2), 336 (2), 336 (3), 204, and 54. These sections pertain to cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy, among other offenses. Authorities are actively searching for the accused and are also investigating whether other individuals have been victimized in a similar manner.
This case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by rural families seeking employment opportunities and underscores the need for vigilance against such fraudulent schemes. Police have urged the public to verify credentials and avoid making large payments without official documentation.
