Fake SMC Job Promise Scam Rocks Surat

Surat | Gujarat — A massive job fraud case has surfaced in Surat, where 16 job seekers were allegedly cheated of ₹2.44 crore with false promises of jobs and housing in the Surat Municipal Corporation. Police have registered a complaint against Rajendra Dinkar Chaudhary, owner of Janadesh Press, following allegations that he used fake recruitment advertisements and forged codes to trap victims.

The complaint was filed by Prahlad Sukhdev Patil, a paper dish factory owner from Dindoli, who claims he was among those duped in the elaborate scam in Surat.

From Housing Promise to Job Fraud

According to the police complaint, Patil came into contact with Chaudhary through a relative working in the media. Over time, Chaudhary allegedly convinced him that he had strong connections inside the municipal corporation.

“In 2024, he told me he could arrange a house in an SMC housing project and secure jobs for people,” Patil said in the complaint. “He showed us a project site and assured us the work would be done for ₹12–13 lakh.”

Believing the claims, Patil initially paid ₹1.5 lakh as an advance. Soon after, Chaudhary allegedly expanded the offer, promising jobs in the civic body for Patil’s relatives and acquaintances.

Money Collected in Installments

Victims were reportedly asked to pay a small amount for application forms, followed by larger payments in installments after receiving an “EC code” via WhatsApp, which was presented as proof of official recruitment.

For one candidate alone, over ₹15 lakh was paid in stages. Eventually, 16 individuals collectively transferred ₹2,42,67,200 to the accused, hoping to secure employment or housing.

However, months passed without any appointments or official communication.

Fake Advertisements and Forged Codes

Suspicion grew when no recruitment process materialised. The matter was reported to the police, who began a preliminary investigation.

Officials contacted the municipal corporation to verify the EC codes and job advertisements. The civic body confirmed in writing that no such recruitment advertisements had ever been issued.

Police say the accused allegedly created fake job advertisements and forged EC codes to extract money from desperate job seekers.

Police Investigation Underway

Authorities have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation into the alleged fraud. Officers are now examining financial transactions and communication records to identify the full extent of the scam.

“This appears to be a planned and systematic fraud targeting unemployed youth,” a police source said. “Further legal action will follow based on the investigation.”