In a major breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested Dharmendra Pandey, the alleged mastermind of a scam that targeted jobseekers by impersonating an Indian Army officer. Authorities recovered multiple fake identity documents used to defraud victims across the region.

Pandey, a resident of Kaili in Chandauli district, was apprehended on the night of March 30 from a rented flat in Vibhuti Enclave, Bhoothnath Colony, under Bhelupur Police Station, Varanasi, officials said. The operation was carried out following intelligence inputs and in coordination with Military Intelligence.

According to the UP STF, Pandey had been running a sophisticated scam promising guaranteed placements in the Army, Railways, Education Department, and various paramilitary forces. He collected large sums of money upfront from unemployed youth while assuring them of secure jobs.

Also Read: Belagavi Businessman Defrauded of Rs 15 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam

During the arrest, authorities recovered a wide array of counterfeit documents, including multiple Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, driving licenses with different addresses, ATM cards, high school mark sheets, and fake Army ID cards. Officials confirmed that these documents were used to open several bank accounts to deposit the money collected from victims.

During interrogation, Pandey admitted to being a habitual fraudster and detailed his modus operandi. He explained how he gained the trust of victims by posing as an Army officer and using forged credentials. When aspirants demanded refunds after failing to secure employment, he misled them with promises of placement in other government departments.

A case has been registered at Bhelupur Police Station under multiple sections of the law, including 319(2), 318(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2), and 337 of the BNS. The district police, in coordination with the state STF, are continuing further investigation and legal proceedings against the accused.

Also Read: Thackeray Challenges Government to Protect Citizens From Fake Spiritual Leaders