Pune: Four individuals have been booked for allegedly defrauding a Khadki resident of ₹16.5 lakh by promising to secure a job for his son as an officer in Coal India. The fraud took place over an extended period from October 2021 to April 2023, at the Depot Battalion of BEG and Center, Khadki.

The complainant, a 55-year-old father, lodged a case at Vishrantwadi Police Station against the accused, identified as Tushar Dhananjay Karkhanis (30), Dhananjay Laxman Karkhanis (60), Nutan Karkhanis, and Rohit Karkhanis. All accused are residents of Quarter No. 5, Depot Battalion, BEG and Center, East Sappers, Khadki.

According to the complaint, the accused persuaded the victim to pay ₹16 lakh in exchange for securing a Coal India job for his son. They also assured the complainant that the money would be refunded if the job offer did not materialize. Trusting these promises, the complainant paid the amount in installments, totaling ₹16.5 lakh.

To bolster their claims, the accused provided forged documents, including fake medical examination letters and fabricated flight tickets from Coal India.

However, when the complainant demanded a refund after realizing the job offer was fraudulent, the accused not only failed to return the money but also issued threats to harm him. The police have registered a case of fraud and are currently investigating the matter. Police Sub-Inspector Chaudhary is leading the probe.