A fresh tender fraud case has reportedly been registered against suspended IAS officer Abhishek Chandra and his brother in Bengal.
The complaint was lodged at Narendrapur Police Station in West Bengal following allegations by businessman Shyamal Bepari, who claimed that he suffered substantial financial losses after being persuaded to invest in purported government tender and supply arrangements.
The allegations involve suspended Tripura-cadre IAS officer Abhishek Chandra, his brother Abinab Chandra and businessman Utpal Chaudhary. The complaint concerns promises of government contracts, expected profits and documents allegedly presented to establish the legitimacy of the proposed transactions.
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What Are the Allegations Against Abhishek Chandra?
According to Bepari’s complaint, he was introduced to business opportunities allegedly connected with government departments and procurement activities in Tripura.
He claimed that assurances about official connections and the availability of government contracts encouraged him to enter the arrangements. These reportedly involved supplying essential commodities and participating in contracts associated with the Mid-Day Meal programme. Bepari alleged that Abinab Chandra facilitated business contacts and discussions concerning the proposed tenders. He also described dealings with Utpal Chaudhary and others who allegedly represented themselves as being associated with government-related work.
How Was the Businessman Allegedly Induced to Invest?
The complainant claimed that he was assured the proposed contracts were genuine and would generate substantial financial returns. The arrangements allegedly involved earnest money deposits (EMDs), work orders, supply-related documents and assurances that investments would be recovered after contractual formalities were completed.
Bepari stated that he invested money after receiving these assurances. However, the expected business returns did not materialise, and repeated attempts to recover his investment allegedly failed. He further claimed that the transactions caused serious financial difficulties, prompting him to approach the police.
What Was the ₹79 Lakh Tender Arrangement?
One significant allegation concerns the purported use of the name of Tripura’s Directorate of Higher Education in connection with proposed tender and supply arrangements.
According to the complaint, documents were presented that allegedly created the impression that government tenders had been issued and that the proposed contracts were legitimate. The arrangements reportedly included a tender valued at approximately ₹79 lakh, alongside discussions about deposits, supply orders and anticipated profits.
However, ₹79 lakh represents the stated value of a proposed tender, not a verified financial loss suffered by the complainant. The precise amount allegedly invested or lost is not established in the available details.
What Is the Status of the Investigation?
The latest complaint adds to allegations surrounding purported government procurement arrangements linked to Tripura. Bepari has sought an investigation into the transactions and recovery of his money. His statement describes a sequence of business introductions, financial commitments and assurances involving Abhishek Chandra, Abinab Chandra and Utpal Chaudhary.
The case has reportedly been registered at Narendrapur Police Station. However, the available information does not establish any fresh arrests, chargesheet or judicial findings concerning these allegations.
The420 Insight: The complaint highlights the financial risks associated with investment proposals presented as government-backed contracts. Claims of official connections, tender documents and promised returns require independent verification, particularly when investors are asked to deposit money before contractual obligations are fulfilled.
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