Pune: IT Firm in Hinjawadi Accused of Duping 400 Jobseekers; FITE Demands Action

Hinjawadi, 16th August 2025: A major case of fraud has surfaced in Pune’s IT hub, where an information technology (IT) consulting firm operating from Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, allegedly duped nearly 400 fresh candidates of crores of rupees under the pretext of providing paid training and guaranteed jobs.

The company is accused of charging job aspirants between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 3 lakh each for a two-month training programme. Candidates were assured of a stipend of Rs 15,000 per month for the next two months, followed by a confirmed placement with an annual package of Rs 3–4 lakh along with project allocations.

Initially, the candidates received training and a two-month honorarium. However, they were not paid salaries for the subsequent four months despite working on the company’s projects. To make matters worse, employees found the company’s office shut most of the time. When some approached the HR department for answers, they were allegedly threatened and the police were called.

Employees Seek Forum’s Intervention
The aggrieved workers have now approached the Forum for IT Employees (FITE), which has termed the incident a serious fraud rather than a labor dispute. FITE has announced that it will escalate the issue to the Labour Commissioner, demanding legal action against the company.
“This is not just a case of unpaid wages—it is outright fraud. Closing a company without paying employees cannot be treated as a labor issue but must be treated as a criminal offence,” the forum said in a statement.

FITE’s Advice to Jobseekers
Avoid falling for paid placement or training schemes.
Check the company’s background, financial health, and reviews before paying any money.
Report cases of unpaid salaries and fraud immediately to labor authorities.

Fear Among IT Aspirants
The incident has sparked concern among fresh jobseekers, who are already struggling amid an ongoing wave of layoffs in the IT sector. Many large companies have adopted cost-cutting measures due to global slowdown pressures. Recently, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced plans to lay off 12,000 employees, further fueling uncertainty in the job market.

The Forum has urged the government and labor enforcement agencies to take strict measures against fraudulent companies exploiting rising unemployment under the guise of offering IT jobs.