Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 2: Matunga Police Station has booked two Patna-based men for allegedly cheating four Mumbai residents of Rs 22.45 lakh in a fake Indian Railways recruitment racket.

According to police, the accused lured victims with promises of securing Group D railway jobs without any examination. The complainant, a 49-year-old caterer from Matunga, was approached in 2021 and assured a position such as track maintainer, helper, pointsman, porter or hospital attendant. He was allegedly asked to arrange Rs 6.23 lakh for the appointment.

Between October 2021 and November 2022, the complainant transferred the amount in instalments to bank accounts provided by the accused and also paid a portion in cash. The fraudsters allegedly issued forged appointment letters, railway identity cards and other fabricated documents to make the offer appear genuine.

Police said the accused even conducted a three-month sham “training” programme and paid Rs 11,000 per month to the victims to maintain credibility. A fake posting email showing deployment at CBD Belapur was also sent. However, no official joining letter was ever issued.

Trusting the offer, the complainant informed three former colleagues, who paid Rs 6.50 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 6.72 lakh respectively. When the promised postings failed to materialise and the accused became unreachable, the victims approached the police on February 27, 2026.

Investigations revealed that Group D jobs are entry-level Level 1 posts in Indian Railways and recruitment is conducted only through examinations by the Railway Recruitment Boards. Direct appointments without examination are not permitted.

Police have registered a case and are probing the financial trail to trace the accused and recover the cheated amount.