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An Assam-based trading company was allegedly cheated of more than ₹11.5 crore by a gang posing as suppliers to the Indian Army and using forged procurement orders to secure payments. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man from Siliguri in West Bengal for his suspected role in the fraud and frozen more than ₹2 crore held in different bank accounts.
The accused, identified as Harsh Agarwal, was arrested following an interstate operation conducted by a team from Panbazar Police Station in Guwahati.
According to police, the gang exploited an existing business relationship with Global Traders, a Guwahati-based firm, and used fabricated Army supply orders, impersonation and false financial documents to carry out transactions worth ₹11,50,56,180.
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How Did the Gang Use Fake Army Supply Orders?
Investigators said the accused gained the confidence of Global Traders by presenting themselves as individuals connected with Indian Army supply contracts.
Harsh Agarwal allegedly introduced his brother, Ayush Agarwal, to the complainant as a distant relative involved in supplying goods to the Army.
Police said the introduction helped establish credibility and persuaded the complainant to enter into business transactions.
The gang allegedly produced forged Indian Army procurement orders and fabricated financial documents to make the proposed supply arrangements appear genuine.
Some members of the group also allegedly impersonated Army officers to reinforce the claims.
Through these methods, the accused allegedly induced the firm to transfer a total of ₹11,50,56,180.
Key Accused Arrested in Siliguri After Interstate Investigation
The case was investigated by a team led by Sankar Jyoti Nath, officer-in-charge of Panbazar Police Station.
Police examined financial transactions, digital evidence and other intelligence to establish how the alleged fraud was carried out.
During the investigation, officers identified Harsh Agarwal as a key suspect and traced him to Siliguri in West Bengal.
A police team subsequently travelled to Siliguri and arrested the 30-year-old accused.
Investigators also identified bank accounts allegedly connected with the fraudulent transactions and froze more than ₹2 crore held across different accounts.
The frozen funds have not been reported as returned to the complainant.
Police Probe Money Trail and Role of Other Accused
A case has been registered at Panbazar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Investigators are examining the movement of the defrauded money through various accounts and attempting to identify individuals who may have benefited from the transactions.
Police are also investigating the suspected involvement of other members of the gang and working to arrest those who remain at large.
The case centres on the alleged misuse of the Indian Army’s identity and forged procurement documents to deceive a private business into making substantial payments.
Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining funds and establish the roles of all individuals suspected of participating in the fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
