Mumbai, August 15: The Azad Maidan police have achieved a significant breakthrough by arresting a wanted fraudster who deceived individuals under the pretense of securing government jobs. The suspect had been evading capture for two years, concealing his identity to avoid arrest. His apprehension has also led to the revelation of three additional cases against him.
The arrested individual has been identified as Yogesh Patankar. He faces charges under sections 318(4) and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code at the Azad Maidan police station.
According to police reports, Patankar swindled millions from numerous victims between 2014 and July 15, 2026, promising to secure government jobs for their children but failing to deliver. An FIR was lodged on July 29, 2026, following complaints from financially vulnerable victims who alleged that Patankar took their money with false promises.
After the FIR was filed, senior police officials directed a special investigation team to expedite the arrest of the accused. During the investigation, it was discovered that Patankar had fled his home with his family and was living in hiding at various locations.
The police also uncovered that he was wanted in two other cases registered at the Vikroli police station. Despite continuous efforts, his whereabouts remained elusive until a tip-off indicated he was in Pune.
Acting on this information, the police team traveled to Pune and successfully apprehended Patankar. Following his arrest, he was presented in court, where he was remanded to police custody until August 17, 2026. The police are now working to trace and recover any funds, assets, and properties linked to the case.
Additionally, the investigation revealed two more cases registered at the Vikroli police station under sections 420, 406, 294, and 34 of the IPC. There is also a separate case against him at the Dadar police station under sections 420 and 34 of the IPC.
Authorities suspect that the number of victims who fell prey to Patankar’s job scam may be higher. Therefore, a thorough investigation is underway to gather information on other potential victims.
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