Pune CEO Arrested for Alleged Rs 1.52 Crore Job Scam Targeting 76 Youth
In a significant crackdown on employment fraud, the Airport police in Pune have arrested the CEO of a consultancy firm for allegedly cheating 76 youngsters out of a staggering Rs 1.52 crore. The accused, identified as Nikhileshwar Kshirsagar, was taken into custody from his Viman Nagar residence late on Monday night, following a complaint lodged by one of the victims.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
The cheating incident unfolded between September 2025 and March this year, during which Kshirsagar operated his firm from a commercial building in Viman Nagar. According to police reports, he approached individuals with promises of two months of professional training for various careers, collecting fees for these sessions. Additionally, he assured them of lucrative job placements within his firm with handsome salaries.
Senior inspector Govind Jadhav of the Airport police station stated, "Kshirsagar hired the youngsters from different parts of the city but failed to disburse their salaries as promised. When the victims demanded their dues and a refund of the training fees, he refused to comply."
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The case came to light after a 33-year-old resident of Pimple Nilakh filed a formal complaint with the police on Monday morning. Acting swiftly, authorities arrested Kshirsagar later that night. He was produced before a city court, which remanded him in police custody until March 16 to facilitate further investigation.
Jadhav added, "We suspect that more victims might come forward as the investigation progresses. Kshirsagar claimed that his firm had not secured any new assignments or work, leading to his inability to pay the salaries."
Background of the Accused
Nikhileshwar Kshirsagar is a resident of Amravati, where his firm's head office is located. The police are delving deeper into the operations of his consultancy to uncover the full extent of the fraud and identify any accomplices involved in the scheme.
This incident highlights the growing concerns over job scams targeting vulnerable youth in urban areas, emphasizing the need for vigilance and stricter regulatory measures in the employment sector.
