Kolkata | Investigative agencies have stepped up action against an alleged illegal call-centre network in West Bengal following the announcement of the state’s Assembly election schedule. As part of the operation, simultaneous searches were conducted on Monday across multiple cities in the state. Nearly ten premises in Siliguri, Howrah, Bidhannagar and Durgapur were searched as investigators examined documents, computer systems and financial records linked to the suspected operations.
According to preliminary information, the investigation centres on a network of call centres accused of duping a large number of people through deceptive phone calls. Officials suspect that individuals associated with the network contacted potential victims over the phone and used various pretexts to obtain money or sensitive personal information. In several cases, callers allegedly posed as representatives of institutions, service providers or financial organisations in order to gain the trust of those they contacted.
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During the raids, premises linked to Surashree Kar, Samrat Ghosh and Subhajit Chakraborty were searched, among others. Investigators also visited several additional locations connected to individuals believed to be associated with the suspected network. Documents and digital devices recovered from these sites are being examined in detail to determine how the call-centre operations were structured and the extent of the network involved.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that agencies are also examining whether the financial transactions carried out through these call centres were linked to other illegal financial activities or suspicious networks. However, at the initial stage of the probe, it has not yet been established whether the case has any direct connection to political funding or activities related to the ongoing electoral process.
The operation has drawn attention in the state, particularly because it comes at a time when West Bengal is preparing for Assembly elections. Following the announcement of the poll schedule, authorities have intensified monitoring of financial transactions and activities that may involve illicit movement of money. Investigators are therefore examining the call-centre case within the broader framework of surveillance aimed at detecting possible financial irregularities during the election period.
Officials involved in the searches said that multiple computers, hard drives, mobile phones and other electronic devices are being analysed. Data stored in these devices is expected to provide insight into the functioning of the call centres, including the nature of calls made, the categories of people targeted and the channels through which payments or financial transfers were carried out.
Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the network may have contacted individuals outside West Bengal and possibly even abroad. For this reason, particular attention is being paid to digital trails, online payment records and bank account transactions linked to the suspected operations. The analysis of these records may help determine the scale of the activities and the geographical spread of the alleged network.
Experts note that call-centre based fraud operations often function through organised structures involving several layers of participants. Typically, such networks include callers who interact with victims, technical personnel who manage digital systems, intermediaries who withdraw or transfer funds through bank accounts, and coordinators who oversee the overall operation. Identifying the roles of each participant is therefore considered crucial in uncovering the full scope of such cases.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Sunday announced the schedule for the West Bengal Assembly elections. According to the announcement, polling in the state will be held in two phases — the first on April 23 and the second on April 29. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when results for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu will also be declared.
Officials associated with the investigation said that documents and digital evidence gathered during the searches are currently being examined. Based on the findings, the scope of questioning may be expanded and the possible involvement of other individuals could also come under scrutiny. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities continue to analyse the material collected during the raids.
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.
