In a shocking case of deception, a 45-year-old man has been systematically defrauding young job aspirants across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by posing as a high-ranking Indian Navy officer. The accused, identified as G Satya Surya Chalapathi Rao alias Srikanth, was recently arrested by Visakhapatnam (Vizag) police in Hyderabad, bringing an end to his over three-year run from the law.
The Elusive Conman and His Lavish Scam
Chalapathi Rao allegedly funded his extravagant lifestyle by exploiting the dreams of unemployed youth. Posing as a naval officer, often of captain rank, he promised secure jobs within the Indian Navy in exchange for massive sums ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per candidate. His elaborate con involved using a fake identity card and even sporting an official Navy uniform to appear legitimate. He primarily targeted victims in Vizag, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad, assuring them positions at the naval dockyard before disappearing with their money.
A Long History of Deception and Arrests
This is not the fraudster's first encounter with the law. Police investigations reveal a 12-year history of similar cheating cases. He has been arrested previously in connection with cases registered under the Parawada, Harbour, New Port, and Two-Town police limits in Vizag, as well as in a separate case in Vijayawada. A few years ago, he was caught by Vizag city police for attempting to enter the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base disguised as an officer, with the intent to scam Agniveer aspirants.
Despite past arrests, Chalapathi Rao consistently devised new methods to continue his fraudulent activities. His background adds a surprising layer to the story: he is an alumnus of a Sainik school in Odisha and a BTech graduate who worked briefly as a civil engineer before turning to crime over a decade ago to "make easy money." His knowledge of the Navy was bolstered by the fact that some of his schoolmates had genuinely become officers in the force.
Personal Life Built on Lies
The deception extended beyond financial fraud into his personal life. According to police sources, Chalapathi Rao married a woman while posing as a naval officer. The marriage ended after she discovered his criminal activities. Undeterred, he went on to remarry, this time a doctor based in Hyderabad, while continuing his life on the run.
The breakthrough came when Vizag police, acting on a concrete tip-off, tracked him down and apprehended him in Hyderabad. "Based on a concrete clue, we managed to nab him in Hyderabad. Chalapathi Rao is a fraudster with an over 12-year history of duping gullible youth," stated a senior police officer from Vizag city.
The arrest serves as a stark warning to job seekers about the perils of falling for too-good-to-be-true offers and the importance of verifying credentials through official channels. It also highlights the persistent efforts of the police in pursuing criminals who prey on the aspirations of the youth.
