Cyber Cops Identify Duo Behind Creation of 540 Shalarth IDs

Nagpur: The cyber police have made a major breakthrough in the ongoing probe into the education scam that has rocked the state. Two key suspects—both officials from the education department—have been identified for allegedly creating 540 fake Shalarth IDs. However, both have reportedly gone underground to evade arrest.

According to sources, the duo — Sunil Magam and Sunil Dhole — were posted at the office of the deputy director of education when they allegedly created the fake IDs. They are believed to have fabricated posts of teachers, facilitated illegal recruitment and promotions, and enabled the disbursal of salaries from the state exchequer.

Police sources said that Magam and Dhole, who are now untraceable, possess crucial information about the scam, which is believed to have taken place between 2019 and 2025.

Cyber police officials revealed that the suspects, currently posted at the Zilla Parishad's Pay and Salary Unit, were identified through analysis of IP address data gathered during the probe. Investigators found that the fake Shalarth IDs were generated using computer systems at the deputy director's office, often after working hours, with the help of mobile phones.

A senior official told TOI that digital evidence has pinpointed Magam and Dhole as key perpetrators behind the creation of the fraudulent Shalarth IDs.

"After the fake Shalarth IDs were created, the scamsters collected crores of rupees from aspiring teachers in exchange for recruitment or promotions at various aided schools. These individuals then began receiving salaries and other benefits from the education department," said the official, adding that special teams have been dispatched to multiple locations to trace and arrest the absconding suspects.