Social activist and whistleblower Jayant Tinaikar has alleged the existence of a large-scale fake government job racket in Belagavi district, claiming that 16 job aspirants have been cheated of lakhs of rupees over the past 18 months. Speaking at Kannada Sahitya Bhavan, he accused the police of inaction despite repeated complaints and suggested that influential individuals, including political figures, may be protecting those involved.
Tinaikar alleged that the police refused to register FIRs even when victims approached them with documents. He named Manjunath Ningappa Melasarj and Sanganagouda Patil as key figures behind the scam, claiming their proximity to Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has raised suspicions. Victims have submitted complaints to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G. Parameshwara, the IGP, and other senior officials but have reportedly received no response.
According to police sources, Manjunath Melasarj, a resident of Dastikoppa village, allegedly posed as the Minister’s personal assistant and collected around ₹30 lakh from 15–16 candidates, promising them jobs in the Department of Women and Child Development. The scam involved forged appointment orders carrying the official seal of the government, the Governor’s signature, and the Minister’s name. Police say some victims may also have been complicit, attempting to collect money from others with similar false promises.
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Dr. Bheemashankar S. Guled confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Kittur Police Station against Vithal Padadappa of Neginahal village in Bailhongal taluk. He stated that while the investigation had identified the accused and gathered evidence, arrests were delayed as the main accused obtained anticipatory bail and several victims initially refused to lodge complaints. He denied allegations of political pressure or involvement of the Minister’s official staff.
Police have traced the computer centre used to prepare the forged letterheads and confirmed that a total of ₹30 lakh was taken from 14 complainants. The SP said a chargesheet is being prepared and clarified that no evidence has been found linking funds to Sanganagouda Patil’s account.
Meanwhile, one alleged victim, Kavya G. Yellur, who earlier accused the police of inaction, has been uncooperative with the investigation and is absconding, according to police. Notices have been pasted at her residence.
Tinaikar has demanded that the culprits be punished and the victims’ money returned, insisting on a thorough probe to determine the role of any powerful individuals in the scam.
