Retired Army Veteran Loses Rs 55.7 Lakh in Elaborate Fake Recruitment Scam
In a distressing case of deception, a retired army serviceman from Belagavi has been cheated of a staggering Rs 55.7 lakh after attempting to secure employment for his brother-in-law and nine other aspirants in the Indian Army through what turned out to be a fraudulent recruitment racket. The complainant, identified as Basavaraju Erappa Bhavi, has officially approached the Cottonpet police in Bengaluru, alleging that Rajendra Shankarappa and his associates orchestrated the scam by issuing counterfeit appointment orders and extracting substantial sums of money under false pretenses.
From Service to Scam: The Veteran's Ordeal
Basavaraju, who served honorably in the army for 28 years before retiring approximately three years ago, found himself entangled in this web of deceit through his brother-in-law, Balappa. Balappa, employed as a security guard at Belagavi airport, introduced Basavaraju to Prakash Marihal, who presented himself as a former serviceman. Prakash allegedly boasted of his ability to secure direct recruitment for Balappa in the army in exchange for Rs 6 lakh. Initially skeptical, Basavaraju's doubts were assuaged when Prakash referenced a "serving" army personnel named Rajendra Shankarappa from Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), lending an air of legitimacy to the proposition.
The Recruitment Ruse Unfolds
In October 2024, Prakash informed Basavaraju that a recruitment drive was underway for vacant positions in the 110 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) of the Madras Regiment, based in Coimbatore. Following this lead, Basavaraju met Rajendra near the 110 TA unit, where Rajendra claimed to be employed as a clerk. During their interaction, Rajendra allegedly detailed vacancies in the 110 TA and ASC Centre Group C posts, outlining a payment structure: candidates passing a physical test would need to pay Rs 5 lakh, while those failing would be charged Rs 6 lakh, with an initial advance of Rs 30,000. Balappa reportedly failed the physical test administered by Rajendra but was assured of future employment, keeping hopes alive.
Expanding the Fraud: More Victims Drawn In
The scam escalated in November 2024 when Rajendra visited Belagavi and met nine additional candidates introduced by Basavaraju, promising them army jobs for Rs 8 lakh each. Partial payments were made through multiple transactions between October 2024 and February 2025, with the accused assuring that the remaining amounts could be settled upon joining duty. To bolster the illusion, the perpetrators sent "call orders" via email, further convincing the aspirants of the opportunity's authenticity.
The Crushing Reality: A Vanishing Act and Fake Documents
On April 11, 2025, Basavaraju and the ten hopeful candidates traveled to Coimbatore, fully expecting to commence their duties at the 110 TA unit. Upon arrival, Rajendra instructed them to wait at the main gate, entered the premises, and subsequently disappeared without a trace. When the group inquired with officials, they were met with the devastating revelation: no such recruitment drive was taking place, and all the documents provided were fabricated. The officials confirmed that the appointment orders were entirely fake, shattering the dreams of the aspirants.
Aftermath and Financial Ruin
The aftermath of the scam left the aspirants in severe distress, with some allegedly threatening to end their lives in desperation. Compelled by guilt and responsibility, Basavaraju took drastic measures to repay nine of the victims, selling one acre of land, an empty site, and 100 grams of gold to cover the losses. This act underscores the profound personal and financial toll exacted by the fraudsters.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
In response to the complaint, the Cottonpet police have registered a case under charges of cheating and forgery. The investigation is currently underway, with authorities working to apprehend Rajendra Shankarappa and his accomplices. This case highlights the vulnerabilities in recruitment processes and serves as a stark warning against falling prey to such sophisticated scams, especially those exploiting the trust associated with military service.
Key Details of the Scam:
- Total Amount Lost: Rs 55.7 lakh
- Number of Victims: 10 aspirants plus the retired veteran
- Accused: Rajendra Shankarappa and associates
- Method: Fake appointment orders and physical tests
- Location: Primarily Belagavi and Coimbatore
- Current Status: Case registered, investigation ongoing
This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance in job recruitment, particularly in sectors like the armed forces where aspirations run high. Authorities urge the public to verify all recruitment claims through official channels to avoid similar tragedies.
