A well-orchestrated government job scam has come to light in Bhopal, where a man was allegedly cheated out of Rs 6 lakh by a fraudster who promised him a position in the Tribal Welfare Department and handed over a fake appointment letter. The Shyamla Hills police registered an FIR against the accused on Sunday and launched a manhunt for his arrest.
The victim, Ramesh Visandhare, fell into the trap in 2023, when he met Alok Bamne, who claimed he had connections to secure a clerk-level post in the department. Bamne demanded Rs 6 lakh for the job, which Ramesh paid in installments—through cash, cheque, and other means—near Doordarshan Kendra.
The fraud came to light on Friday, when Ramesh approached the Tribal Welfare Department with the appointment letter he had been given, only to be informed that no such recruitment had taken place. Shocked by the revelation, Ramesh realized he had been duped and immediately filed a complaint.
Sub-Inspector Ghumendra Singh Bais, who is handling the investigation, confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against Alok Bamne under relevant sections of fraud and forgery. "The accused not only forged an official document but also extorted money under false promises," said Bais.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Bamne may have cheated multiple job seekers in similar fashion. He is already known to police and has prior cases registered against him for running similar scams.
Police are now expanding their probe and have urged anyone else who may have been targeted by Bamne to come forward. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused, who is currently absconding.