Bengal Police arrests two including a Bangladeshi for 13 lakhs fraud using digital arrest trick

Barasat Police have smashed an international online fraud racket that cheated people of nearly Rs 13 lakhs using a cruel “digital arrest” trick. The gang used to call victims, pretend to be police or bank officials, scare them with fake cases, and force them to transfer money instantly. In one major case on September 20, a victim lost Rs 13 lakh after fraudsters used an Aadhaar-linked mobile number to gain trust. Within weeks, the police team traced the money trail across states and even across the border.

Acting fast, officers first arrested Hemant from Madhya Pradesh who was handling bank accounts and withdrawing cash. Then, in a dramatic operation inside Star Mall in Barasat, they caught Rafiqul Islam, a Bangladeshi national from Khulna, who had entered India illegally. Police say the gang targeted poor daily-wage workers, offered them small amounts of money or jobs, took copies of their Aadhaar and PAN cards, and opened new bank accounts in their names to receive cheated money.

These “mule accounts” helped the crooks stay hidden while victims lost their life savings.Both accused are now in custody and more arrests are expected as police dig deeper into bank records and call details. Officers are warning everyone never to share OTPs or transfer money to unknown callers claiming to be from police, banks, or courts. This successful bust proves Bengal Police are fighting smart new-age crimes that cross borders and destroy innocent lives.