Kolkata Residents Lose Over Rs 1.2 Crore in Two Major Cyber Fraud Cases
Residents of Kolkata face significant financial losses in two separate cyber fraud incidents. The detective department now handles both investigations.
First Case: WhatsApp Scam Costs Rs 52.5 Lakh
Sancha Bhattacharjee, a Kolkata resident, reported losing Rs 52.5 lakh to cyber criminals. Scammers posed as representatives of a well-known securities and investment group. They contacted Bhattacharjee through WhatsApp.
The fraudsters promised high returns from stock market trading. They convinced Bhattacharjee to transfer money in multiple transactions. These transfers occurred between November 27 and December 24 last year.
Bhattacharjee named Smita Agarwal as the person who contacted him. Agarwal claimed to be an investment assistant with the securities group. Bhattacharjee received no returns or promised outcomes. He later realized he was defrauded.
Second Case: Chartered Accountant Loses Rs 72 Lakh
In another incident, a Kolkata-based chartered accountant lost Rs 72 lakh. The scam involved promises of major returns from a company operating from Park Street.
The chartered accountant lived in Bengaluru in September 2020. He was approached for funds to support a proposed onion-trading start-up. The start-up planned to operate from Kolkata starting April 2021.
The accused provided property papers to build confidence. They also claimed access to overseas bank funds. The petitioner raised money, including bank loans, and transferred amounts to a bank account in April 2021.
Monthly EMI payments started but became irregular from February 2022. The accused stopped visiting Kolkata and remained mostly in Bengaluru. The petitioner cited unanswered calls and emails.
A demand notice dated February 26, 2024, highlighted the issue. A separate pending case in Nashik suggested habitual offending by the accused. Complaints to police in July and August 2025 drew no action initially.
The chartered accountant moved a city court. The court ordered Shakespeare Sarani Police to register an FIR. The police now investigate alleged cheating and criminal breach of trust involving Rs 72 lakh.
Investigation and Response
The detective department took over both cases. Authorities examine the methods used by scammers. They focus on WhatsApp communications and false investment promises.
These incidents highlight the risks of online investment schemes. Residents should verify credentials before transferring large sums. Police urge caution with unsolicited financial offers.
