Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Police have uncovered a racket involving fake IAS officers and agents who allegedly promised prestigious national awards and government jobs to several individuals. A self-proclaimed social activist, Ramesh, reportedly prepared recommendation letters and certificates claiming they were issued by governors, cabinet ministers, IAS officers, and police officials.
Officials revealed that in 2023, a single award proposal contained 50–60 certificates and recommendation letters compiled into one file.
Sambhajinagar IAS Award Scam: Arrests and Investigation
The scam came to light after the arrest of a fake female IAS officer, Kalpana Bhagwat, on November 23. Investigations indicated the involvement of pseudo OSDs, officials, and social activists in manipulating awards and government transfers.
Read also: Unrest in Telangana Secretariat After Formation of Exclusive IAS Officers’ WhatsApp Group
On Saturday, Waluj police arrested Dattatray Shete (38), a land trader from Shrigonda, who allegedly accepted bribes of Rs 7.85 lakh to arrange government jobs and awards. Police are interrogating Shete and examining his phone to trace appointments, transfers, and awards he allegedly influenced with Kalpana.
Bank records show that Ramesh sent Rs 2.25 lakh to Kalpana via Shete. During questioning, Kalpana confirmed that Shete had introduced Ramesh to the racket.
Sambhajinagar IAS Award Scam: Court Appearance and Custody Updates
The police custody of Mohammad Ashraf Gil and pseudo OSD Dimpi Devendrakumar Harjai expires today. Both are scheduled to be produced in court this afternoon. Police plan to request extended custody for further investigation. Dimpi’s family has been stationed at a prayer site for six days, seeking his bail.
Recovered Evidence Police have seized:
- 30 certificates under Ramesh’s name
- 14 recommendation letters from senior state officials, cabinet ministers, spiritual leaders, royal family members, MLAs, IAS and police officers, and hospital heads
These documents were attached to award applications, and racketeers reportedly instructed several individuals to prepare such files for national awards. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the applications submitted in August 2023 were genuine or fabricated.
Ramesh has been officially summoned for further questioning as investigations continue.
