JobFraud – Dharavi Police Arrest Man in Government Job Scam
JobFraud – The Dharavi Police have taken a key suspect into custody in connection with an alleged government job fraud that targeted a young applicant in Mumbai. The accused, identified as Nitin Chandrashekhar Deshmukh, had been evading arrest for several months before being traced and detained. Officials confirmed that he is now in police custody as investigators examine the full extent of the case.
Claims of Political Influence Under Scrutiny
According to investigators, Deshmukh is accused of misleading the complainant by presenting himself as a politically influential figure. He allegedly claimed close associations with senior political leaders and ministers in Maharashtra. Police said he also projected himself as the Nashik district chief of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), led by Uddhav Thackeray. Authorities are verifying these claims as part of the probe.
Officers believe the arrest could shed light on whether similar fraudulent offers of government employment were made to others using comparable tactics.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
The complainant, Prathamesh Bodkhe, lives in Dharavi with his family. His father is employed as a security guard in a government department. In August 2024, the Municipal Corporation released a recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Clerk. Although Bodkhe applied and received his hall ticket, he did not appear for the examination.
Several months later, in January 2025, his cousin Kiran Ramdas Satpute reportedly approached him with an alternative offer. Satpute allegedly introduced Bodkhe to Deshmukh, describing him as a well-connected individual capable of securing government jobs through contacts within Mantralaya. According to the complaint, Satpute assured Bodkhe that Deshmukh’s recommendations carried significant weight.
Money Transferred to Multiple Accounts
Investigators said Deshmukh allegedly promised to arrange a government post in exchange for a substantial payment. He reportedly assured the complainant that the money would be refunded if the job did not materialize.
When Bodkhe offered to transfer the amount directly to Deshmukh’s bank account, the accused is said to have declined, citing concerns about income tax scrutiny. Instead, he allegedly directed the complainant to send funds to several different bank accounts.
Trusting these assurances, Bodkhe transferred a total of ₹9.10 lakh in multiple transactions as instructed. Police are now examining the financial trail to identify the account holders and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Additional Demand and Alleged Threats
The complaint states that in July 2025, Deshmukh demanded a further ₹2 lakh, claiming additional expenses were necessary to finalize the job arrangement. When Bodkhe refused to pay more, the accused allegedly informed him that the job would not be secured and declined to return the money already paid.
Police also noted that the accused allegedly used abusive language during phone conversations and issued threats when the complainant sought a refund.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
After realizing he had been deceived, Bodkhe approached the Dharavi Police Station and lodged a formal complaint against both Deshmukh and Satpute. Following a preliminary inquiry, officers registered a case on charges of cheating and criminal breach of trust under relevant provisions of law.
A search operation was launched to locate the accused. Deshmukh reportedly remained absconding for nearly three to three-and-a-half months before being apprehended. Officials confirmed that he is currently being interrogated to gather further details about the case.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether Deshmukh was involved in similar job-related frauds and to identify other potential victims. Authorities have urged citizens to verify the authenticity of job offers and avoid transferring money to unknown accounts without official documentation.