Ludhiana: In a major case of alleged fraud, police have booked a Shimlapuri-based family for reportedly duping a local car dealer of nearly ₹89 lakh by promising to secure a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post for his son under the sports quota and offering returns on a business investment.
The case was registered after a two-month inquiry conducted under the supervision of the Ludhiana Commissioner of Police. The Shimlapuri police lodged an FIR against three members of a family residing in New Shimlapuri.
The accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to cheating, forgery, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy. Details of legal provisions can be accessed on the official government portal at https://www.indiacode.nic.in.
Promise of DSP Post Under Sports Quota
According to the complaint, the main accused approached the car dealer’s family in early 2025, claiming he could secure a DSP-level appointment in the Punjab Police for the complainant’s 25-year-old son. The son had reportedly played under-19 cricket at the national level, which the accused allegedly used to suggest eligibility under the sports quota.
The family was told that the appointment could be arranged within a few months in exchange for ₹55 lakh. Payments were allegedly made through both cash and online transfers.
Information regarding official recruitment processes in the Punjab Police is available on the department’s website at https://www.punjabpolice.gov.in.
False Claims of Influence
Investigators said the accused allegedly projected himself as an influential intermediary with strong political and police connections. He reportedly claimed close ties to senior officials and displayed photographs with prominent personalities to strengthen his credibility.
To further convince the family, he allegedly handed over a keypad mobile phone, describing it as an “official number” issued from a senior police office. The device was claimed to have special communication and tracking capabilities, which investigators now suspect was part of the deception.
Fake Joining Letter and Growing Suspicion
Police sources said the accused later produced what appeared to be a joining letter directing the young man to report to the police academy in Phillaur in November 2025. However, no formal communication was received through official channels.
When the family attempted to verify the appointment or accompany their son for reporting, the accused allegedly gave repeated excuses. Suspicion deepened when no official posting materialised.
Upon demanding a refund, the complainant alleged that the family faced threats instead of repayment.
Business Investment Angle
Beyond the alleged job scam, the accused also reportedly persuaded the complainant to invest over ₹30 lakh in an aluminium printing business. They assured high returns, but according to the FIR, no profits were ever paid.
Police said nearly ₹20 lakh of the total amount was arranged through loans, intensifying the financial burden on the complainant’s family.
Accused Absconding
Investigating officials confirmed that the accused are currently absconding. Multiple raids are underway to locate and arrest them.
Authorities have urged citizens to verify recruitment processes through official government portals and avoid middlemen promising guaranteed government jobs. Police reiterated that all legitimate appointments in the Punjab Police follow transparent procedures.