Surat Physiotherapist Defrauded of Rs 47.36 Lakh in Elaborate Railway Job Scam
In a shocking case of betrayal and deception, a 23-year-old physiotherapist from Surat has been allegedly duped of a staggering Rs 47.36 lakh by his own relative. The scam revolved around a promised railway job under a so-called special quota, culminating in the delivery of a fraudulent appointment letter.
Police Launch Investigation into Multi-Lakh Rupee Fraud
The Amroli police in Surat have officially registered a case of cheating and have initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. The complaint details a complex scheme that exploited familial trust for financial gain.
Relative's False Claims and Initial Demands
According to the police complaint, the victim, identified as Viraj Chotaliya, is a physiotherapist who operates a clinic in Surat. He was approached by his relative, Vivek Chauhan, who falsely claimed to be employed as a loco pilot within the Indian Railways.
In February of last year, Chauhan allegedly presented Chotaliya with an offer to secure a doctor's position in the railways through a special quota, asserting he had the authority to recommend a single candidate for such a role.
Escalating Demands and Financial Drain
Chauhan reportedly informed Chotaliya that railway officials required bribes to process the appointment, initially demanding Rs 7 lakh. Trusting his relative, Chotaliya complied, paying the Rs 7 lakh along with an additional Rs 40,000 for purported form-filling charges.
The situation escalated shortly thereafter. Chauhan allegedly contacted Chotaliya again, claiming that another candidate had offered Rs 25 lakh for the same coveted position. Applying pressure, he urged Chotaliya to increase his payment to remain in contention.
Final Deal and Discovery of Forgery
The deal was eventually finalized at a colossal sum of Rs 47.36 lakh, which Chotaliya paid in multiple installments over time. When Chotaliya later requested the official appointment letter, Chauhan provided one. However, upon verification, the document was conclusively found to be completely fake.
Victim's Pursuit of Justice
After his repeated demands for a refund were met with silence and evasion, a desperate Chotaliya had no choice but to approach the authorities. He filed a formal complaint with the Amroli police, setting the legal process in motion.
This case highlights the severe risks associated with job scams that prey on the aspirations of young professionals. It serves as a stark warning about the importance of verifying employment offers through official channels and exercising extreme caution, even with relatives, when large sums of money are involved.
