In a significant crackdown on employment fraud, Karnataka’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested 37 individuals for submitting fake marks cards to secure positions in the state’s Water Resources Department. This operation also led to the apprehension of 11 middlemen and three government employees implicated in the scam.
Recruitment Process and Discovery of Fraud
In October 2022, the Water Resources Department initiated a recruitment drive to fill 182 backlog ‘C’ group posts, specifically for Second Division Assistants (SDA). Candidates were selected based on their Second Pre-University Course (PUC) scores, eliminating the need for a written examination. During routine document verification, officials identified discrepancies in the marks cards submitted by 62 candidates, prompting a detailed investigation.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
The investigation revealed that ineligible candidates collaborated with middlemen to obtain counterfeit Class 12 marks cards, including those from CBSE and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). These fake documents showcased inflated scores, enabling candidates to meet the eligibility criteria for the SDA positions. The middlemen charged between ₹2 lakh and ₹5 lakh per candidate for their services.
Arrests and Seizures
The CCB’s operation led to the arrest of 37 candidates who had secured jobs using fake documents, along with 11 middlemen from various districts, including Hassan, Mandya, and Bengaluru. Three government employees were also detained for their involvement:
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Anand, Principal of Morarji Desai Residential PU College in Kalaburagi
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Krishna Gurunath Rathod, First Division Assistant at Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) in Shivamogga
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Gangoor Pradeep, Second Division Assistant in the Water Resources Department, Hassan
Authorities seized 17 mobile phones, a computer hard disk, and two cars valued at approximately ₹40 lakh during the raids.
Geographical Spread of the Fraud
The fraudulent activities spanned 12 districts, with the highest number of ineligible candidates hailing from Kalaburagi (25) and Hassan (12). Other affected districts included Vijayapura, Bidar, and Belagavi.
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in the recruitment processes within government departments. The use of fake academic credentials not only undermines the merit-based selection system but also deprives deserving candidates of employment opportunities. The CCB’s swift action highlights the need for stringent verification mechanisms to uphold the integrity of public service recruitment.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of thorough document verification and have urged aspirants to refrain from engaging in fraudulent practices, as such actions can lead to severe legal consequences.
This case serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the imperative for transparency and diligence in recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified and deserving candidates occupy public service positions.
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