Hinjawadi IT Park Job Scam: Fake Firm Owner Arrested for Duping Aspirants.
• Fake Firm, Real Fraud
• ₹28 Lakh Swindle Unraveled
• Forged Letters and False Promises
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Hinjawadi police arrested Upesh Ranjit Patil for orchestrating a fake IT job scam from Hinjawadi IT Park. He collected ₹1-2 lakh each from over 300 aspirants by issuing forged appointment letters. Eleven victims have filed complaints, totaling ₹28 lakh in fraud, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full extent.
The Hinjawadi police have apprehended Upesh Ranjit Patil, the alleged mastermind behind an elaborate job racket targeting software professionals. The accused is charged with defrauding numerous job seekers by offering fictitious high-paying IT roles from a bogus company based in Hinjawadi IT Park Phase 2. This case highlights growing concerns over employment scams in India’s major tech hubs.
Authorities state that Patil’s operation began on December 15, 2024, systematically targeting eager candidates. He allegedly lured victims with promises of lucrative software packages and formal employment contracts. Each aspirant was coerced into paying exorbitant “placement fees” ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh for these guaranteed positions.
Modus Operandi: Forged Appointment Letters and False Promises
To establish credibility, the accused issued professionally fabricated appointment letters after receiving the payments. These documents were designed to mimic those from legitimate IT corporations, complete with job titles and compensation details. However, no actual employment or onboarding processes were ever initiated by the fake entity.
The scheme collapsed when victims, after repeated failed attempts to commence their roles, approached the authorities. A police spokesperson confirmed that 11 formal complaints have been registered, quantifying the current fraud at approximately ₹28 lakh. The investigation remains actively underway.
Hinjawadi IT Park: Scale of Fraud Could Exceed Initial Estimates
While confirmed losses are significant, investigators suspect the true scale is vastly larger. Preliminary evidence suggests over 300 job seekers may have been deceived by the sophisticated operation. The police are urging additional potential victims to come forward to assist in the expanding probe.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) dedicated to financial crimes is forensicizing seized digital evidence to map the complete network. This Special Investigation Team (SIT) is analyzing bank transactions and communication logs to identify all affected individuals and trace the defrauded funds.
Also Read: SC Orders SIT Investigation into Vantara Wildlife Rescue Project.
Industry-Wide Alert Issued for Job Seekers
This incident has prompted cybersecurity experts and recruitment agencies to issue advisories for job seekers. They recommend verifying company credentials directly through official websites and being wary of any upfront fee requests. The Pune Police Commissioner emphasized that legitimate employers never demand payment for employment opportunities.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is also exploring potential connections to other similar fraud schemes reported in Pune and other metropolitan cities. Patil remains in police custody as authorities work to uncover the full extent of this sophisticated employment scam.
