Mumbai police arrest man wanted for government job fraud

Mumbai's Azad Maidan Police have arrested Yogesh Patankar, a wanted individual who had been absconding for two years. Patankar allegedly defrauded numerous people by promising them government jobs for their children, extracting millions of rupees in exchange for these false promises.

Following an FIR filed in July 2026, investigations revealed that Patankar had been hiding his identity and living in various locations with his family to evade law enforcement. The arrest was made in Pune after police received information from an informant.

In addition to the Azad Maidan case, the arrest has led to the disclosure of two other cases registered at the Vikhroli Police Station and an additional case at the Dadar Police Station. Patankar has been remanded to police custody until August 17, 2026, as authorities work to recover stolen assets and property.