Kolkata, Oct. 2025 — In two separate crackdowns, police in West Bengal have arrested individuals linked to cyber fraud operations in Murshidabad and Kolkata. The arrests highlight the state’s growing struggle against online scams that have siphoned money from unsuspecting citizens through sophisticated deception.
Raid in Murshidabad: Cash and 27 ATM Cards Seized
Acting on a tip-off from secret sources, the Hariharpara Police in Murshidabad raided the Dharampur residence of Abdul Majit Mandal late Tuesday night. During the raid, authorities arrested his 29-year-old son, Manirul Islam, suspected of being a key member of a local cyber fraud gang.
From the house, police recovered ₹90,000 in cash, 27 ATM cards, and multiple mobile SIM cards obtained using forged identities. According to investigators, the accused used the cards to withdraw money from ATMs across the district.
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“Initial findings suggest that this was not a lone operation but part of a larger cyber-fraud network in the area,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Rashpreet Singh. The suspect has been remanded to custody after being produced before the Berhampur Court on October 1. Police continue to question him in hopes of identifying other members of the gang.
Cybercrime on the Rise in Murshidabad
Murshidabad district has reported a surge in cyber fraud cases, with residents losing significant amounts to fraudsters posing as officials or service providers. Authorities believe organized gangs are exploiting digital payment systems and poor cyber awareness among rural populations to fuel such scams.
Kolkata Case: Student Nabbed for Fake Traffic Challan Scam
In another case, a 19-year-old engineering student, Shovan Santra, was arrested in North Kolkata’s Baranagar area by the Bidhannagar Police. He allegedly duped people by sending them fake traffic challans that tricked victims into paying fraudulent fines.
One victim filed a complaint in August after ₹40,000 was debited from his account following a fake challan notification. The Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station traced the scam and nabbed Santra in early September.
Investigators now suspect that Santra was not acting alone but was part of a larger network issuing fake challans to unsuspecting drivers in the city. Several similar complaints have surfaced in recent months.
Authorities Warn of Expanding Cybercrime Threat
Officials warn that both cases reflect a disturbing escalation in cyber-enabled fraud across West Bengal. While gangs in districts like Murshidabad exploit ATM networks and SIM fraud, urban scams in Kolkata increasingly rely on digital impersonation schemes.
Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to remain alert to suspicious calls, messages, and online payment demands. Cyber experts recommend verifying all government-related fines or payments through official portals only.
“These incidents prove that cybercrime is no longer confined to call centres. It’s spreading to homes, colleges, and local communities. The only solution is stronger vigilance and digital literacy,” a senior police officer said.
