Pune: Two directors of a private firm were arrested on Wednesday on charges of promising jobs to approximately 100 freshers in the IT sector in exchange for money and subsequently cheating them. A court remanded the arrested duo — Amol Balasaheb Mahadik and Omkar Dadaso Mahadik, both directors of Accure Softtech Pvt Ltd established in 2023 — in five-day police custody.
Background of the Case
Senior Inspector Balaji Pandhare of the Hinjewadi police stated that this is the second incident in recent months where freshers seeking jobs have been duped in the IT hub. In August last year, an IT training and placement firm was booked for cheating 400 freshers using a similar modus operandi in Hinjewadi.
How the Scam Operated
Amol and Omkar, the arrested directors, allegedly took amounts ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs2,00,000 from each candidate across various parts of the state, including districts in Vidarbha, Marathwada, and western Maharashtra, promising jobs in Hinjewadi IT Park firms. According to the FIR, victims received offer letters and were initially employed under a work-from-home arrangement. They were assured placements in prominent IT companies after working for a few months.
The police revealed that Accure Softtech Pvt Ltd stopped paying the victims after one month, leading them to realize they had been cheated. A 23-year-old from Latur district stated in the FIR that he was promised an internship stipend of Rs15,000 per month but received no payment even after working for three months. He alleged that no work was assigned on the pretext that the company had no new projects. He had paid Rs1.5 lakh through online transfers for placement.
The FIR mentions four additional victims. Two allegedly paid Rs2 lakh each, one paid Rs50,000, and another paid Rs80,000.
Police Investigation and Advisory
Senior Inspector Pandhare noted that the company operated from a 500-square-foot shop. The entire recruitment process was conducted online, and the work-from-home option was offered to avoid physical meetings. He warned that more job fraud victims are likely to come forward and advised job seekers to verify company details to avoid falling prey to such scams.
Pavanjeet Mane of the Forum for IT Employees stated that the organization is raising awareness among job seekers and IT employees to prevent scams. He suggested routing every offer letter issued to freshers through the labor department to ensure aspirants are not cheated.
