A resident of Pune has lodged a complaint with the police commissioner, alleging that three individuals defrauded him of nearly Rs 19 lakh by promising a job at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The complainant, Ammar Abdullah Sheikh (32), a resident of Nana Peth, stated that the accused approached him in 2023, claiming they could secure a PMC job through their contacts within the administration.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
Sheikh alleged that the accused demanded money at various stages of the purported recruitment process, assuring him that the appointment procedure was progressing within the civic body. Over several months, he paid around Rs 19 lakh through bank transfers, demand drafts, and cash transactions. Subsequently, the accused handed over an appointment-related document supposedly linked to PMC recruitment. However, upon verification, Sheikh realized that the document, signatures, and seals were fabricated.
Official Response
When contacted, PMC Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram stated, “The incident pertains to 2023, before I took charge. A complaint has been submitted to the police, and they should conduct a thorough investigation and ensure strict action against the accused. PMC will provide all possible support to the probe.”
Advocate Vijay Thombre, who accompanied Sheikh, remarked, “This is a meticulously planned scam, which is not possible without involvement from insiders. Sheikh was not only given a fake appointment letter but was also provided training and asked to submit a demand draft of Rs 41,700 in favor of PMC’s primary education department. We have submitted a complaint to the Commissioner of Police but could not meet him.”
Broader Scam Allegations
RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar alleged that a job scam is operating across Pune district. He said, “Ideally, PMC and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) officials should lodge a complaint as signatures of their office-bearers have allegedly been forged in this case. Many youths are being cheated and losing money. If investigated properly, I believe this will turn out to be a broader scam of over Rs 200 crore.”
Efforts to reach Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar for comment were unsuccessful.
