Guwahati, 25 July (HS): The Assam Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested the prime accused in an alleged fake recruitment racket that duped job seekers by promising employment in the Assam Rifles in exchange for huge sums of money.

According to the CID, the case was registered on July 4 following complaints filed by Montu Thengal (25) of Bihpuria in Lakhimpur district and several other victims. The complainants alleged that they were cheated after being lured with false promises of securing jobs in the Assam Rifles.

The FIR stated that after attending an Assam Rifles recruitment drive in Shillong on July 20, the candidates met Md. Anwar Hussain of Lalipathar under Dhing Police Station in Nagaon district. Posing as an Assam Rifles Major, the accused allegedly claimed he had influential contacts within the force and could secure appointments on compassionate grounds.

To gain the victims' trust, Hussain reportedly prepared a written agreement and demanded between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹10 lakh from each candidate. Believing the promise, the victims transferred money through Google Pay, bank transfers, and cash payments.

Despite receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to provide jobs or refund the amounts, prompting the victims to approach the CID.

During the investigation, the CID tracked down and arrested Md. Anwar Hussain from Gorukhuti in Moirabari, Morigaon district on July 24 using technical evidence and other investigative inputs.

Police said the accused will be produced before the court, and his custodial interrogation will be sought to uncover the full extent of the alleged recruitment scam. Investigators suspect that several more youths may have been cheated and are probing whether a larger organised network was involved.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash