In a commendable display of vigilance and commitment to ethical hiring practices, Infosys, one of India’s leading IT giants, has successfully uncovered and addressed a recruitment scam involving a software engineer from Telangana. The incident, which mirrors a plot from the Tamil movie Dragon, highlights Infosys’ robust systems in detecting fraudulent activities and ensuring the integrity of its recruitment process.
The Incident: A Cinematic Deception
Rapa Sai Prashanth, a software engineer in his 20s from Telangana, allegedly orchestrated a scheme to secure a job at Infosys’ Bengaluru office. According to reports, Prashanth applied for a position through a job portal, and his documents were verified by Sampradaa Software Technologies, a recruitment agency working with Infosys.
However, instead of attending the virtual interview himself, Prashanth enlisted a friend with superior communication skills to impersonate him. The impersonator’s articulate performance during the interview led to Prashanth receiving an offer letter on January 20, 2025, and he subsequently joined the company.
Infosys’ Vigilance Shines Through
The deception was short-lived, thanks to Infosys’ keen observation and rigorous post-hiring protocols. Just 15 days after Prashanth joined, company staff noticed significant discrepancies between his on-the-job communication skills and the confidence displayed during the interview. Suspecting foul play, the HR team conducted a thorough investigation, comparing screenshots from the virtual interview with Prashanth’s official photographs. The evidence was clear: the person who attended the interview was not Prashanth.
Infosys promptly terminated Prashanth’s employment and filed a formal complaint with the Adugodi police in Bengaluru. The case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Sections 318 (cheating) and 319 (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Kishore, the accounts manager at Sampradaa Software Technologies, lodged the complaint, reinforcing the collaborative effort to address the fraud.
A Bold Move to Protect Recruitment Integrity
Infosys’ swift response underscores its zero-tolerance policy toward recruitment fraud. The company’s career website has long cautioned job seekers about scammers posing as recruiters, emphasizing that Infosys follows a merit-based hiring process with extensive screening steps. By taking legal action against Prashanth, Infosys sends a strong message to potential fraudsters: attempts to manipulate the recruitment process will be met with decisive consequences.
The incident also highlights the effectiveness of Infosys’ internal systems in identifying inconsistencies. The company’s ability to detect the impersonation within just two weeks demonstrates the strength of its onboarding and monitoring mechanisms. This proactive approach not only protects Infosys’ reputation but also safeguards the trust of clients and stakeholders who rely on the company’s commitment to excellence.
Social Media Applauds Infosys’ Action
The news of Infosys’ response has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms like X, with users praising the company’s vigilance. Posts have highlighted the striking resemblance to the Dragon movie plot, where a character uses a similar ruse to secure a job, but the real-world outcome showcases Infosys’ ability to separate fact from fiction.
One user noted, “Kudos to Infosys for catching this scam so quickly—HR deserves applause for their sharp eye!”
Another post emphasized the importance of ethical hiring, stating, “This is why companies like Infosys stay at the top—zero tolerance for fraud.”
Broader Implications for the IT Industry
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the IT industry in combating recruitment fraud, especially in the era of virtual interviews. Infosys’ response sets a precedent for other organizations to strengthen their hiring processes and remain vigilant against impersonation scams. The company’s recent shift to a secure, paperless hiring system, where candidates access job details through an internal platform, further demonstrates its commitment to preventing fraud and enhancing the candidate experience.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Fairness
As authorities continue their efforts to locate Prashanth, who reportedly fled to Hyderabad after his termination, Infosys remains steadfast in its mission to uphold fairness and transparency in recruitment. The company’s actions in this case reinforce its reputation as a leader in the global IT industry, dedicated to fostering a workplace built on merit and integrity.
At TeluguTone, we celebrate Infosys’ proactive stance in tackling this recruitment scam and encourage job seekers to remain cautious of fraudulent offers. For more updates on the IT industry and inspiring stories of corporate accountability, stay tuned to TeluguTone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Telangana engineer do to secure a job at Infosys?
Rapa Sai Prashanth allegedly had a friend impersonate him during a virtual interview, leading to his hiring. The deception was uncovered within 15 days due to communication discrepancies.
How did Infosys respond to the scam?
Infosys terminated Prashanth’s employment, filed a police complaint under the IT Act and BNS Sections 318 and 319, and is cooperating with authorities to address the issue.
What measures does Infosys take to prevent recruitment fraud?
Infosys follows a merit-based hiring process, uses secure internal platforms for job offers, and warns candidates about scammers posing as recruiters.
