Mar 14 • 12:24 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

Paper leak scam, extortion via UPI... Fraudster arrested in the name of SI recruitment

A fraudster has been arrested in Lucknow for extorting money from candidates by falsely claiming to provide leaked SI recruitment exam papers through Telegram.

In a significant operation, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UPSTF) arrested a man named Ayush Baghel in Agra for defrauding candidates by claiming to sell leaked papers for the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment exam. Baghel operated through Telegram channels like 'UP SI UP POLICE-2026' and 'RESULT PANEL PVT TM', misleading exam candidates into believing they could obtain the exam papers for a fee. His modus operandi involved soliciting substantial amounts of money from these candidates under the pretense of providing critical examination materials.

The investigation revealed that Baghel was not only adept at exploiting candidates' desperation but also highly skilled in digital manipulation. He created fake question papers using a PDF editor and would share the first page on Telegram to build credibility among potential victims, leading them to perceive these documents as authentic. This tactic was effective in convincing numerous candidates to engage financially, placing them at a significant risk of being duped.

Moreover, as the UPSTF continues its probe, it has become clear that Baghel was trying to ensnare a larger number of victims through this scam. The operation against him opens up broader implications for exam integrity in India, raising concerns about the extent of such fraudulent activities and the need for more stringent measures to combat academic dishonesty, especially in high-stakes recruitment exams like the SI recruitment.

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