Ellisbridge police have arrested a 41-year-old physical training instructor working on contract at Gujarat College for allegedly cheating students by promising to arrange jobs in the Indian Air Force and Navy as well as selection opportunities in state-level cricket teams.
The accused was arrested from Anjar in Kutch on Friday after a police surveillance team traced his movements. Investigators are examining whether additional students were allegedly cheated as part of the scheme.
According to police, the case came to light after a 20-year-old BCom student approached the authorities with a complaint. The student reportedly came into contact with the accused during volleyball practice in April.
Police said the instructor initially allegedly offered to arrange an Air Force job for Rs 15,000. When the student expressed no interest in the job, the instructor allegedly offered to arrange his selection for a state-level cricket tournament in Puducherry.
The instructor allegedly demanded Rs 45,500 from the student and another Rs 53,500 from his friend, who was also interested in participating in cricket. The complainant reportedly transferred a total of Rs 99,000 to the accused on April 17 and 18.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly assured the students that they would receive an official selection letter from the Puducherry Cricket Association. He also allegedly claimed that expenses related to travel, accommodation, food and medical insurance would be covered.
However, the students reportedly did not receive any official email or selection letter. Police subsequently began investigating the allegations and traced the accused.
Investigators said the instructor allegedly changed around 10 mobile numbers and used seven different mobile phones after students began attempting to contact him regarding the promised opportunities.
Police have alleged that around 20 students may have been targeted. Two other students were reportedly charged Rs 15,000 each, taking the amount mentioned in the complaint to approximately Rs 1.3 lakh, although the broader investigation is continuing to determine the total amount allegedly involved.
The case highlights the risks faced by young people seeking employment or sporting opportunities through unofficial intermediaries. Recruitment to the Armed Forces is conducted through established and officially notified procedures, and candidates are advised to verify recruitment information through authorised channels rather than paying individuals claiming to have influence over selections.
In a separate case in Rajkot, Gandhigram-2 police have also registered a complaint against a man accused of allegedly cheating a childhood friend and four others of around Rs 16 lakh by promising them jobs in the Indian Air Force.
According to the Rajkot FIR, a 40-year-old resident of Kalawad Road allegedly received a call from a childhood friend on June 8. The two had reportedly not met for nearly 20 years. The friend allegedly claimed that he could arrange a driver’s position in the Indian Air Force in exchange for money.
After the promised employment did not materialise, the complainant reportedly learned that his childhood friend had been detained by police in Ahmedabad in connection with a financial dispute. He subsequently approached the police and lodged a complaint.
Both cases are under investigation, and the allegations against the accused are subject to the outcome of the respective legal proceedings.
