New Delhi: A promise of a govt post, a purported council and the lure of power and perks allegedly left a Haryana businessman with Rs 2.9 crore less. Police have registered an FIR against six people for allegedly staging an appointment in a govt council and extracting large sums of money.The case was registered at Chanakyapuri police station on Aug 13 on the complaint of the businessman, who is engaged in the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines.The complainant was introduced to the suspects after an acquaintance told him about a newly formed council for environment safety purportedly constituted by Central govt.He told police that due to his interest in social welfare activities, the acquaintance suggested him to apply for the post of chairperson of the council in Haryana. He subsequently met one of the suspects, who allegedly connected him with a Jaipur resident.The complainant alleged that an interview was arranged with two men who were presented as officials associated with the purported council. The fake interview took place inside a five-star hotel in Chanakyapuri.The men allegedly painted an attractive picture of the post, claiming that Rs 500 crore was allocated for plantation and maintenance of trees in Haryana. The businessman was told that the chairperson would be provided a govt vehicle, police security, salary, govt accommodation and official facilities. He was also promised a role in deciding tenders related to plantation and other works.The complainant later searched for the council online and found a website, thereby convincing him and his family that the organisation was linked to a govt ministry.The promise, however, came at a steep price. The complainant was asked to deposit money for the appointment. He claimed that he had to borrow money from traders and take a loan from the bank against his house in Sonipat.After collecting the amount through multiple bank accounts and in cash, the suspects allegedly handed him an appointment letter. The promise began to unravel during verification of the document. He was shocked to learn that no such council was constituted by the govt and that the appointment letter was forged.The complainant subsequently met one of them and confronted him, but was allegedly assured that the appointment would be approved by the Centre within a couple of days.The businessman later filed an RTI application, through which he learnt that the ministry had no connection with the purported council. He also found that an FIR had already been registered in connection with the council.Police have registered a case based on his complaint and are investigating the allegations.
