Berhampur: At a time when fake job offers are on the rise, more than 4000 youths have been duped here under the pretext of being offered jobs in Singapore.
The prime accused, Subrat Palo, who had opened a fake agency ‘Royal India’ in Berhampur to trap the youths aspiring to work abroad has been arrested and forwarded to court.
According to sources, through the fake agency Subrat had allegedly promised around 4000 youths across the state to provide jobs in Singapore and reportedly duped lakhs of rupees, Rs 15000 from each of the aspirants. A medical test of the youths was also conducted later on.
However, neither the youths were provided job nor did the money they deposited was refunded. The accused has also been alleged of leading a luxurious life and frequently travelling to Dubai and Malaysia.
After a complaint was lodged with the Gosaninuagoan Police, Subrat was arrested and forwarded to court while others are absconding, sources said.
“We were informed that we have an interview at Secunderabad to avail a job in Singapore. Twenty five of us deposited Rs 10000 each. The contact number Subrat had given has always remained switched off,” said a complainant.
Many of the duped aspirants on Saturday staged an agitation in front of the DGP office demanding arrest of the rest involved in the case. They have also urged to bring Subrat in remand to resolve all their issues and return the money and passports.
“Subrat was trapped after we tracked him continuously for four days. The bank account statement of Subrat did not give any evidence as it had nil balance. Efforts are on to nab the others absconding,” said Gosaninuagaon IIC Rameshchandra Das.