An IT company in Pune has been accused of collecting a total of ₹75.13 lakh from around 38 employees, in the name of providing jobs and salaries. The employees have alleged that the company required them to pay around 30% of their annual salary package as a condition for employment, with individual payments ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh each. The company later shut down, and employees claimed they were also not paid their salaries for around four months before its closure.
The FIR and Charges
Police have registered an FIR against the Aundh-based company and six other people associated with it, at Chaturshringi police station. Action has been initiated under Sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with the role of people associated with the company's management and human resources department being examined as part of the investigation.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
According to police, the complainants have alleged that the company collected substantial amounts from them before actually providing employment, with these payments sought as part of the employment process itself. Several employees allegedly made these payments in the hope of securing jobs and receiving regular salaries, with a total of ₹75.13 lakh allegedly collected from the 38 employees combined.
The complainants have submitted bank transaction records, payment-related screenshots, and other documents to police, with their statements also recorded as part of the investigation. Investigators are now examining these documents and bank transactions through auditing services in India-style financial scrutiny, to determine exactly which accounts the money was transferred into, and how those funds were subsequently used.
Salaries Also Left Unpaid
The employees have also alleged that the company shut down around four months ago, and that they hadn't received their salaries for the four months preceding that closure. After paying money in the hope of securing employment, this alleged non-payment of salaries further compounded their financial difficulties considerably.
The complainants have sought a detailed investigation into the financial transactions involving both the money allegedly collected from them and the unpaid salaries owed to them.
Employee Federation Steps In
The matter has also been taken up with police and other authorities by the Federation of Information Technology Employees (FITE), acting on behalf of the affected employees. The organisation has sought a detailed examination of the company's financial transactions, along with identification of everyone allegedly involved in the matter.
The organisation has also raised concerns about the safety of the complainants, with employees expressing apprehension that they could face threats, pressure, or further financial exploitation during the investigation. FITE has accordingly sought protection for the complainants against any such pressure.
What Police Are Examining
Police said the search for the accused began after the FIR was registered. Investigators are examining bank accounts and other documents to establish why the money was collected from employees in the first place, and where it was subsequently used. Police said further action would be taken based on the findings of this ongoing investigation.
A Warning for Job Seekers
Experts monitoring cyber and employment-related fraud cases said demanding a large advance payment in exchange for a job is an important warning sign in itself. Before making any payment to a company, applicants should independently verify the appointment letter, company registration, physical office, official recruitment process, and the legal terms governing any payment. In particular, when a large amount is demanded in exchange for employment or salary, employees should carefully preserve all documents, payment records, and bank transaction details.
FAQs
Q1. How much money did the employees allegedly pay to the company?
Around 38 employees allegedly paid a total of ₹75.13 lakh, with individual payments ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh, reportedly about 30% of their annual salary package.
Q2. What happened to the company after collecting the money?
The company allegedly shut down around four months ago, with employees claiming they also hadn't received their salaries for the four months preceding the closure.
Q3. What should job seekers do to avoid similar employment fraud?
Experts advise independently verifying the appointment letter, company registration, physical office, and recruitment process before making any payment, and preserving all documents and bank transaction records if payment is made.