Pune: Over 70 individuals were duped under the false promise of job opportunities at the Command Hospital in Wanawadi, Pune.

The accused, Vinayak Tukaram Kadale, a 53-year-old former employee of the Command Hospital who had taken VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme), was arrested by the Sahakarnagar Police.

The complainant, Rajendra Kashinath Hagawane, reported that Kadale, an old friend, had informed him of multiple vacancies for positions such as MTS clerk, computer operator, gardener, sweeper, and peon at the Command Hospital in November 2021.

Kadale asked for ₹70,000 per position as a processing fee. Hagwane, wanting to secure a job for his daughter, spread the word among his relatives and friends, leading to a total collection of nearly ₹50 lakh, which was transferred to Kadale.

The complainant regularly followed up with Kadale regarding the progress of the recruitment. However, Kadale kept giving excuses, asking for more time.

In December 2022, Kadale sent admit cards via WhatsApp for a written exam scheduled on February 12, 2023, with the Command Hospital's seal on them. He informed that similar letters would be sent to all candidates. However, the complainant later learned that no such exam was scheduled at the Command Hospital on that date.

After continuously following up with Kadale, the complainant discovered that Kadale had switched off his phone. Upon inquiring at the Command Hospital, it was revealed that Kadale had taken VRS in 2019, and there were no ongoing recruitments.

Realizing they had been duped, the complainant lodged a formal complaint, leading to Kadale's arrest by the Sahakarnagar Police. Police Sub-Inspector Vishal Pawar is investigating the case.