In a joint operation, the Military Intelligence (MI) unit of the Indian Army’s Southern Command and Pune city police have arrested a conman who allegedly posed as an Army officer and deceived multiple people with false promises of recruitment into the Indian Army.
The accused, identified as Nitin Balaji Suryawanshi, a native of Devni in Latur district, Maharashtra, was apprehended near the Southern Command headquarters in Pune on Saturday. His fraudulent activities came to light after a 23-year-old complainant, Bharat Mahate from Hadapsar, filed a case at the Bundgarden police station.
Modus Operandi: Targeting Army Aspirants
Suryawanshi allegedly wandered around the Southern Command area in Pune dressed in an Army uniform, falsely claiming to be a recruitment officer. He would befriend job seekers, promising them entry into the Army in exchange for money.
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According to the FIR, the accused first met the complainant at Udgir railway station in Latur in August 2024 and introduced himself as an Army officer. He later demanded ₹2 lakh, assuring the complainant of recruitment within a month. The victim paid ₹1.75 lakh in cash and online transactions but received no job offer.
Upon realizing the fraud, the Military Intelligence unit investigated the matter and provided leads to the police, leading to Suryawanshi’s arrest. A fake Army uniform was also recovered from his Pune residence.
Wider Scam Across Maharashtra and Karnataka
Authorities revealed that Suryawanshi’s fraudulent activities extended beyond Pune. He allegedly cheated multiple individuals across Maharashtra and Karnataka, particularly targeting aspirants from economically weaker sections.
Police estimate that he charged ₹3 lakh per candidate, amassing ₹5-10 lakh in total through fraudulent Army job promises. Investigators are also probing his links with serving Army personnel to determine whether he had inside assistance in the scam.
Legal Action and Further Investigation
An FIR has been registered under Sections 318(4), 204, and 205 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to cheating, impersonation of a public servant, and fraudulent intent. The police are now working to identify additional victims and collaborators.
Authorities have urged job seekers to be cautious and verify Army recruitment processes only through official channels to avoid falling prey to such scams.
