In a major breakthrough against fraudulent Army recruitment activities, the Pune Police, in collaboration with the Military Intelligence (MI) unit of the Army’s Southern Command, arrested Suryawanshi Nitin Balaji for running a deceptive job recruitment scheme. The accused, hailing from Latur district, Maharashtra, was caught near the Southern Command headquarters in Pune on Saturday.
According to police investigations, Balaji targeted job seekers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Maharashtra and Karnataka, promising them Army jobs in exchange for hefty sums. He allegedly charged Rs 3 lakh per candidate, amassing anywhere between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh through these fraudulent activities.
A case has been registered against him under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 318(4), 218, and 219. Investigations are still ongoing as authorities work to identify other victims who might have been duped by Balaji.
The arrest followed a complaint filed by Bharat Mahate, a 23-year-old farmer from Nanded district, Maharashtra, who had hoped to join the Army or police. Mahate met Balaji at Latur railway station, where the latter falsely claimed to be an active Army soldier. He promised Mahate an Army job in exchange for Rs 1.75 lakh.
Mahate later met Balaji near the Sub Area Canteen at the Southern Command headquarters in Pune, handing over the money both in cash and via UPI transactions. However, when Mahate tried to contact Balaji to inquire about his recruitment status, his calls went unanswered. Suspecting foul play, Mahate reported the matter to the Military Intelligence unit.
The MI then alerted the Bundgarden Police, who initiated surveillance and verification of the accused. A joint operation between MI and Pune Police led to the successful arrest of Balaji.
