UP Court Jails Man 27 Years After Securing Police Job Via Fake Affidavit

Agra, Uttar Pradesh: A decades-old police recruitment fraud case has concluded with a court sentencing a man to three years of rigorous imprisonment for allegedly securing a government job opportunity through a forged affidavit and false documents.

The court of Special Chief Judicial Magistrate Shivanand Gupta convicted the accused, identified as Bhojraj from Sithrapur village in Hathras district, after finding him guilty of cheating and forgery. The case, which began during the 1998-99 recruitment process for the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), remained pending for nearly 27 years before reaching its final judgment.

Fake Affidavit Detected During Police Recruitment Process

According to prosecution records, Bhojraj allegedly submitted a fabricated affidavit during the PAC constable recruitment drive in an attempt to meet eligibility requirements and secure appointment.

The fraud came to light during document verification when officials noticed inconsistencies in the submitted records. The irregularities prevented his induction into active police service and triggered a criminal investigation.

The case highlighted concerns over attempts to manipulate government recruitment procedures using forged documents and false declarations.

Police Registered Case in 1999 After Document Verification

The matter was formally reported in January 1999 after administrative clerk Pradeep Kumar Verma allegedly identified discrepancies in the recruitment documents and filed a complaint.

Following the complaint, Tajganj Police Station in Agra registered a case against Bhojraj under relevant legal provisions related to cheating and forgery. Investigators completed the inquiry and submitted the charge sheet before the court on May 31, 1999.

The trial continued for more than two decades due to procedural delays and movement of the case through different judicial stages before the prosecution presented sufficient evidence for conviction.

Court Awards Jail Term and Financial Penalty

During sentencing, prosecutors argued that recruitment fraud involving law enforcement positions affects public trust and compromises the integrity of government institutions.

After considering the evidence, the court sentenced Bhojraj to three years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹3,000. The court also ordered additional consequences in case of non-payment of the penalty.

Senior Prosecution Officer Rajesh Kumar stated that documentary evidence presented during the trial established that the affidavit submitted during the recruitment process was fraudulent.

Case Highlights Need for Stronger Verification Systems

The conclusion of the long-pending case has renewed discussions around improving verification systems in government recruitment processes.

Experts have emphasized the need for stronger digital verification methods, including secure databases, document authentication systems and technology-driven background checks to prevent candidates from submitting false information during public service selections.

Authorities continue to stress that maintaining accurate recruitment records and identifying fraudulent applications are essential to protecting the credibility of government institutions.