Ex-serviceman, 10 job aspirants duped over Rs 55 lakh in fake army recruitment racket in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A retired army serviceman who attempted to secure jobs for his brother-in-law and nine other aspirants in the army has been cheated of Rs 55.7 lakh in a fake recruitment racket.The complainant, Basavaraju Erappa Bhavi from Belagavi, has approached the Cottonpet police alleging that Rajendra Shankarappa and his associates duped them by issuing fake appointment orders and collecting huge sums of money.
Basavaraju served in the army for 28 years and retired about three years ago. His brother-in-law, Balappa, who works as a security guard at Belagavi airport, introduced him to Prakash Marihal, who claimed to be a former serviceman. Prakash allegedly claimed he could secure direct recruitment in the army for Balappa in return for Rs 6 lakh. Though Basavaraju initially expressed doubts, he was persuaded after being told about a "serving" army personnel named Rajendra Shankarappa from KGF.In Oct 2024, Prakash informed Basavaraju that recruitment was under way for vacant posts in the 110 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) of the Madras Regiment in Coimbatore. Basavaraju later met Rajendra near the 110 TA unit, where he claimed to be working as a clerk. Rajendra allegedly told him that vacancies were being filled in the 110 TA and ASC Centre Group C posts. He reportedly said candidates who passed a physical test would have to pay Rs 5 lakh, while those who failed would have to pay Rs 6 lakh, with an advance of Rs 30,000. Balappa allegedly failed the physical test conducted by Rajendra but was assured of an employment later. In Nov 2024, Rajendra allegedly visited Belagavi and met nine more candidates introduced by Basavaraju, promising them jobs for Rs 8 lakh each. A part payment was made in multiple transactions between Oct 2024 and Feb 2025 after assurance that they can pay the rest upon joining. The accused reportedly sent "call orders" via email. On April 11, 2025, Basavaraju and the 10 aspirants travelled to Coimbatore believing they would join duty at the 110 TA unit. Rajendra allegedly asked them to wait at the main gate, went inside and disappeared. On inquiry, officials informed them that no such recruitment drive was under way and that the documents were fake.The distressed aspirants later confronted Basavaraju, allegedly threatening to end their lives. Basavaraju said he sold one acre of land, an empty site and 100 grams of gold to repay nine of them. A case has been registered under charges of cheating and forgery. Further investigation is under way.