Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 07 January 2025
In a shocking case of fraud, five FIRs have been filed against a Mazdoor of SVPMC, K Bhaskar Rao, for allegedly deceiving several individuals by promising them jobs in the Military Engineering Services (MES). Victims were lured into paying hefty sums under the pretext of securing government positions in MES like Lower Grade Clerk (LGC) and Mazdoor. The alleged scam involves substantial financial losses for the victims, with claims of a broader network backing the accused.
According to the FIRs, K. Bhaskar Rao, a Mazdoor employed with the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), exploited the desperation for stable employment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Posing as someone with influential connections in the MES, Rao convinced individuals that he could secure government jobs for them or their family members.
Victim 1: In April 2021, this victim was introduced to Bhaskar Rao by an acquaintance. Rao assured him of three LGC jobs in MES for his family members in exchange for ₹13.9 lakh. The victim paid ₹6.2 lakh through cheques and ₹6.8 lakh in cash. Rao continuously cited “recruitment delays” as an excuse for not delivering on his promises. Money was never returned to the victim.
Victim 2: Another complainant reported that in September 2021, Bhaskar Rao promised him a Mazdoor job in MES for ₹4.25 lakh. The victim paid the entire amount of ₹4,25,000. However, the job never materialised, and the money was not returned despite multiple follow-ups.
Victim 3: Another complainant stated that in September 2021, Rao claimed that he could secure a job for him as LGC in MES for ₹5.3 lakh. The victim paid the entire amount to Rao. Despite repeated follow-ups, the money was neither refunded nor the promised job provided.
Victim 4: This individual fell prey to Rao in September 2021 and paid ₹4.25 lakh in cash for the job of a Mazdoor. As usual, the money was neither refunded nor the promised job provided. The victim later discovered that Rao had duped several others in a similar manner.
Victim 5: In early 2022, a victim was coerced into paying ₹6.9 lakh via multiple transactions through UPI. The promise of securing LGC jobs for his wife and sister for a total of ₹ 9 lakh in MES turned out to be false.
Several complainants have alleged that Rao is part of a larger fraud ring, possibly backed by influential figures. The victims claim that Rao deliberately targeted vulnerable individuals, such as those struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by exploiting their desperation for stable employment.
The police have registered five cases under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code after initial enquiry. The victims have demanded swift legal action and the recovery of their money.
This case underscores the vulnerability of citizens to employment-related scams. Authorities should conduct a thorough investigation and dismantle any larger network behind the fraud.