Major Police Operation Targets Fake Job Racket in Bihar
In a decisive move against organized fraud, the East Champaran police have launched a comprehensive crackdown on a sophisticated gang that has been systematically cheating unemployed individuals across Bihar. The authorities have constituted four dedicated Special Investigation Teams (SITs) with the explicit mission of apprehending all members involved in this elaborate 'police-mitra' job scam.
Initial Arrests and Interrogation Breakthroughs
The police have already achieved significant early success with the arrest of two key accused individuals. Asraf Kamal, a resident of Chiraiya near Motihari, and Vinit Kumar from Muzaffarpur have been taken into custody. During intensive interrogation, Vinit Kumar provided crucial information that has illuminated the gang's operational structure.
According to Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat, Vinit revealed that the mastermind behind the entire operation is Ashok Samrat from Samastipur. Ashok is allegedly assisted by two close associates, Dharmendra Kumar and Rakesh Kumar. This trio has been orchestrating the job racket across multiple districts in the state, employing individuals like Vinit to directly contact potential victims.
Modus Operandi and Financial Exploitation
The gang's fraudulent scheme specifically targeted vulnerable, unemployed youth by promising them lucrative positions as 'police-mitra' – a community policing initiative. Candidates were assured these government jobs after paying an upfront fee of Rs 25,000. To appear legitimate, the fraudsters operated under the guise of a non-governmental organization (NGO), luring victims with promises of a monthly salary of Rs 16,000.
Police investigations have confirmed that the gang has already fraudulently 'appointed' 24 youths from East Champaran district alone as 'police-mitra'. These victims were subjected to fake training sessions conducted in Muzaffarpur, Saran, and Patna, further perpetuating the illusion of a genuine recruitment process.
Reward Announcements and Expanded Investigation
Based on the disclosures made by Vinit Kumar, SP Swarn Prabhat has announced substantial cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of the remaining gang members. A reward of Rs 15,000 has been declared for gang leader Ashok Samrat, while Rs 10,000 each has been offered for Dharmendra Kumar and Rakesh Kumar. The police have assured complete confidentiality for any informants, promising that their identities will be protected.
In a significant development, the investigation has expanded beyond the immediate gang members. The SP has ordered a thorough probe into the potential involvement of certain police officers and individuals associated with the digital media business, suspecting they may have played suspicious roles in facilitating or promoting the racket.
Statewide Manhunt Underway
The newly formed SITs are currently conducting coordinated raids across six districts: Muzaffarpur, Patna, East Champaran, Rohtas, Saran, and Samastipur. This statewide operation aims to dismantle the entire network and bring all perpetrators to justice. The police are urging the public to remain vigilant against such job scams and to report any suspicious recruitment activities immediately.
This case highlights the growing sophistication of employment fraud schemes in Bihar and underscores the police's commitment to protecting citizens from financial exploitation. The formation of multiple SITs demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating this organized crime operation that preys on the aspirations of unemployed youth.
