“People wanted to go to the police but were stopped. Amounts ranging from Rs 5,500 to Rs 20,000 were collected from several people after promising jobs, free education to children and healthcare,” Barot said.

Neeraj Pande of Mahuar village — it comes under the Semra police station of Bagaha — said: “I gave Rs 7,000 a fortnight ago after taking a loan. I was told I would be made a Swasthya Premi on a salary of Rs 3,000 per month. We were convinced because they used Dr Kalam’s name and spoke of big development plans. We were told they were working under instruction from the state government.”

Bagaha SDM Haque said: “Their register shows they have filtered down to the panchayat levels in four districts. They carry fake letters addressed to District Magistrates, Chief Minister and Dr Kalam. Bagaha’s six blocks have been affected by the racket.”