Two men were arrested by police in Thane city of Maharashtra on Thursday for allegedly duping at least forty persons by promising them jobs in the railway.
Police stumbled upon the racket when they arrested one of the accused for illegal possession of firearms, said deputy commissioner of police (crime) Deepak Deoraj.
Acting on a tip-off that a person carrying illegal firearms and ammunition was arriving near Upvan Lake in the city, the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of Thane Crime Branch arrested Rakesh Salunke (30) on Thursday morning, the DCP said.
Two pistols, a revolver and 18 cartridges were allegedly recovered from Salunke, who said he had procured them from Nitin Pagare (33).
However, the probe took an unexpected turn when police also found that Salunke was carrying bogus interview call letters purportedly issued by the Central Railway and some fake rubber stamps.
Police then arrested Pagare, whose wife is a corporator.
Interrogation revealed that he and Salunke had allegedly cheated at least forty persons by promising them jobs in the railway.
Salunke, who was earlier a contractor working for the Central Railway, thought of the job scam as he needed money badly to repay his debts, the DCP added.
The duo allegedly took Rs 2 lakh for facilitating a job in the railway and issued fake interview letters, the police officer said.
The duo were produced before a magistrate who remanded them in police custody till November 5. Further probe is on.
