Kolkata Police made a significant breakthrough on Friday by arresting four individuals linked to a major insurance fraud case. The detective department took action against the accused for allegedly cheating a city doctor out of more than Rs 55 lakh.
Arrests Made in Nagerbazar
Officers apprehended the suspects around 5:20 PM from an apartment located on Purba Sithee Road. This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Nagerbazar Police Station. The arrests came after a detailed investigation into a complaint filed last year.
Details of the Complaint
Siba Jyoti Putaninda, a resident of Roy Bahadur Road in Behala, lodged the complaint. He reported that the accused approached him around 2024, posing as agents from various insurance firms.
These individuals allegedly convinced Putaninda that they could help him surrender his old insurance policies. They promised to secure substantial payouts from these surrenders. Over time, they induced him to make multiple payments, which eventually totaled a staggering Rs 55 lakh.
Identities of the Arrested
Police identified the four arrested persons as follows:
- Prasanta Paul, aged 35, from Dum Dum
- Sandip Dalal, aged 32, from Burdwan
- Debanjan Bose, aged 33, from Digha
- Sajal Patra, aged 33, from Uttarpara
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar provided these details. He emphasized that the accused face serious charges for their alleged involvement in this organized scam.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
The fraudsters reportedly used a common tactic to deceive their victim. By presenting themselves as legitimate insurance agents, they gained Putaninda's trust. They then exploited this trust to extract large sums of money under false pretenses.
This case highlights the risks associated with unsolicited financial advice. It serves as a reminder for citizens to verify the credentials of anyone offering such services.
Kolkata Police continue their investigation to determine if more individuals are involved. They also aim to recover the defrauded amount and ensure justice for the victim.