Former Kolkata Postmaster Arrested as Alleged Mastermind of Major Fixed Deposit Scam
In a significant development, the former postmaster of the Regent Estate Post Office in south Kolkata, Dilip Kumar Jana (59), has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated fixed deposit (FD) scam amounting to a staggering Rs 8.5 crore. The fraud targeted more than 25 senior citizens and investors, leaving them financially devastated.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar confirmed that Jana, a resident of Ghasiara Paschim Para in Sonarpur, was apprehended on Thursday evening from Gopal Nagar in Alipore. He is currently in police custody and was produced before the court on Friday. The arrest followed a written complaint submitted by Avijit Majumdar of Netaji Nagar, which prompted a thorough investigation into the fraudulent activities.
How the Scam Was Executed
Police revealed that the alleged fraud was carried out through a well-planned conspiracy involving Jana and an accomplice, Siddhartha Karanjai. Karanjai, who is currently in judicial custody, posed as an authorised agent of the Department of Posts. He allegedly approached depositors whose fixed deposits had matured, convincing them to withdraw the proceeds under the false pretext of reinvestment in lucrative postal schemes.
Once the funds were withdrawn, they were systematically channelled into other accounts, after which the money was misappropriated. This deceptive scheme exploited the trust of vulnerable senior citizens, leading to substantial financial losses.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
Critical evidence against Jana was collected from the office of the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, India Post, South Division. This evidence played a pivotal role in linking him to the scam and substantiating the allegations of his involvement as the mastermind. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the fraud and ensure justice for the victims.
The arrest highlights a growing concern over financial frauds targeting elderly individuals in urban areas. It underscores the need for heightened vigilance and stricter regulatory oversight in postal and banking sectors to prevent such incidents in the future.
