Vizianagaram police on Saturday apprehended four individuals from a nine-member fraud ring that allegedly conned several unemployed youth by offering them bogus government jobs. The gang is said to have collected over ₹53 lakh from at least seven victims across Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli districts.

Deputy Superintendent of Police M. Srinivasarao detailed the case during a press meet held at the One Town police station. The investigation led to the seizure of ₹6 lakh in cash and the arrest of key gang members.

The operation was allegedly spearheaded by K. Sai Venkata Sujith from Vizianagaram. He assembled accomplices from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, using platforms like WhatsApp status to circulate fake recruitment ads for jobs in departments such as Railways, Revenue, Social Welfare, Forest, and Vigilance.

Victims were asked to pay amounts ranging from ₹5.5 lakh to ₹10 lakh in stages. To build credibility, the accused took them to the State Secretariat in Amaravati, gave them a fake tour, and handed over forged appointment letters.

After realizing they were cheated, the victims initially approached police in Bhimavaram, Jangareddygudem, and Eluru. However, some suspects were let off after mere counselling by Eluru police. Frustrated, Siriki Vinod from Srungavarapukota filed a formal complaint in Vizianagaram, prompting action.

Those arrested include Chekka Mahesh from Vizianagaram and three Eluru natives — Bubin Kumar, Gunturu John, and Kalapala Yacob. The main accused Sujith is reportedly hospitalised.

DSP Srinivasarao said some gang members may be repeat offenders. The case was cracked by CI Srinivas and SI Laxmi Prasanna Kumar.

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