Shocking details have emerged in the Shalarth ID scam (Teacher Recruitment Scam), on Saturday. Investigating the scam, police have identified a cyber cafe in Sadar area from where fake Shalarth IDs for 68 teachers were created allegedly by a teacher himself. Of these, 13 teachers secured jobs in various schools across Gondia and Bhandara districts. According to a police official, the breakthrough came after the arrest of Mahendra Bhaurao Mhaiskar (44), a teacher from a school in Arjuni Morgaon, Gondia. During questioning, Mhaiskar admitted to creating fake documents using a computer at the cyber cafe in Sadar. Upon examining the cafe’s computer, police discovered that 68 fraudulent teachers’ recruitment proposal had been created on the system. Of the teachers, 13 had been issued appointment letters based on which they are believed to have worked in various schools between 2016 and 2024. Police are now investigating whether the 13 teachers are currently employed in any schools.

 

It may be mentioned that 14 teachers, suspected to be involved in the scam, have been issued official notices. They are likely to be called in for questioning shortly. Previously, two other officials were arrested in connection with the case – Ulhas Narad, Deputy Director (Education), and Suraj Naik, a clerk. Police believe the duo played a role in creating and validating the fake IDs. The Cyber Police revealed that multiple digital devices and internet connections were used to generate bogus Shalarth IDs. Investigators are currently tracing the IP addresses linked to the fraudulent activity, as well as examining the login credentials, passwords, and OTPs used during the process. A senior officer confirmed that following issuance of the notices, some of the accused teachers have gone missing. Police are now working to trace their whereabouts, he added. The accused misused the Shalarth system which is a Government platform responsible for managing teacher records and salary payments.