Pune: Five office-bearers of a web design firm located at the ITI road allegedly cheated 39 of its employees to the tune of Rs78 lakh.It took place between May and the first week of Sept this year. One of the employees of the firm (39), a resident of Phursungi, lodged a complaint with the police on Saturday. Chatushrungi police have registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust against them. So far, police have recorded statements of 38 employees of the firm, who have been cheated by the firm.According to the FIR, the firm lured individuals with offers of high-salary packages. Once the individuals were recruited, the firm collected 30% of their promised package in advance. The company subsequently shut down. A total of Rs78 lakhs was allegedly collected from 39 employees.An officer said, “The firm’s office is shut. One of the suspects was working as CEO of the firm, the others were managing director, HR manager, and others. The suspects conspired together and established the company to cheat job aspirants. The complainant was made to pay Rs2.48 lakh. However, after joining the company, she and other employees were not paid their salaries for four months. The company subsequently shut down. Other employees were cheated for similar sums ranging from Rs2 lakh to Rs3 lakh.”
