THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: THE City Police on Monday arrested three persons on charges of duping youths aspiring to join the Army of around `90 lakh.The victims were those who took part in a recruitment rally held by the defence department in the city recently.
The accused were identified as Saneesh, 38, of PTP Nagar, Kamalesh Krishna alias Kamalu, 32, of Malayam and Hari, 36, of Anayara. The Poojappura police have booked them on charges of cheating and forgery.
Police had launched a probe into the fraud last week after some victims complained to the City Police Commissioner. Control Room Assistant Commissioner V Suresh Kumar headed the probe team. The complainants, numbering 30, hailed from Kollam district.
According to the police, Saneesh approached the victims during the recruitment rally, introducing himself as an Army officer. He wore an Army uniform and told the victims he was a member of the recruitment board. All the victims had cleared the preliminary round by then.
The victims gave him `2 to `3 lakh each to ensure pass in the next levels of the recruitment procedure while some candidates gave their gold ornaments.
The police said Saneesh used to send them forged documents, which said the candidates cleared next levels of recruitment. Kamalesh and Hari forged the documents for Saneesh.
The police have also seized a computer, hard disks, printers, rubber stamp and lamination machines along with several forged documents from Kamalesh.
Police said the gang used to supply forged documents, including SSLC and degree certificates, driving licenses, ration cards and even Aadhaar cards.
Saneesh and Kamalesh are accused in a couple of forgery cases registered at Vattiyoorkavu, Eravipuram, Kollam West and Kollam East police stations.
Frauds held
Accused Saneesh introducing himself as an Army officer and told the victims he was a member of the recruitment board
He took Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakh each from the victims to ensure pass in the next levels of the recruitment procedure