From PTI To ‘Air Force Recruiter’: Ahmedabad Man Held For Allegedly Duping Students Of ₹4.48 Lakh

A 41-year-old man who allegedly promised students Air Force jobs and selection in state-level cricket teams in exchange for money has been arrested by Ellisbridge police, officials said on Saturday. The accused, Pragnesh Hanubha Barhat, allegedly collected around ₹4.48 lakh from students in Gandhinagar, Kutch and Rajkot by claiming to have contacts that could help them secure jobs and sports opportunities.

Ex-Physical Training Instructor Allegedly Used Student Contacts

Police said Barhat had worked as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) at Gujarat College in Ellisbridge in March this year. During his tenure, he allegedly came in contact with students and later used those connections to offer jobs in the Indian Air Force and places in state-level cricket teams for money.

Investigators have so far traced transactions totalling around ₹4.48 lakh from students who allegedly fell for the promises.

Police said the alleged victims were from areas including Infocity in Gandhinagar, Nakhatrana in Kutch, and B-Division, Gandhigram-2 and University areas of Rajkot.

Allegedly Changed 10 Mobile Numbers

After leaving his job at Gujarat College, Barhat allegedly changed around 10 mobile phone numbers, according to police.

Investigators suspect the accused was continuing the alleged operation even after leaving the college. He allegedly used government job advertisements published in newspapers to identify and approach prospective candidates, offering to help them secure employment.

Police said the alleged promises included recruitment to government jobs and opportunities in cricket teams.

Arrested From Anjar

Ellisbridge police arrested Barhat at around 4.30 pm on August 21 while he was staying in Anjar.

Investigators are now attempting to identify other students who may have allegedly paid him money. Police are also seeking his remand to examine the alleged network, trace financial transactions and determine whether the number of victims is larger than currently known.

Multiple Cases Already Registered

According to police, criminal cases are already registered against Barhat at B-Division Police Station in Rajkot, Infocity Police Station in Gandhinagar, Nakhatrana Police Station in Kutch and University Police Station in Rajkot.

A negotiable instruments case is also pending against him before a court in Anjar, police said.

The present case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.