Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Police have arrested a man from Assam in a major document fraud case, accusing him of cheating multiple individuals by making false promises and using forged assurances to extract money in the name of securing pharmacy and business licences.
Year-Long Police Watch Ends With Dramatic Arrest
The accused has been identified as 33-year-old Debojit Sharma, a resident of Bihpuria in Assam’s North Lakhimpur district. Police said he was arrested on April 10 in the Pithaguri area of Mazgaon, following a nearly year-long surveillance operation.
According to officials, Sharma had been absconding since 2023 and was wanted in multiple cheating cases registered in the Doimukh and Naharlagun regions. He is accused of approaching several individuals and claiming that he could arrange official pharmacy registrations and other business approvals in exchange for large sums of money.
After his arrest, the accused was produced before a local court in Naharlagun and subsequently sent to judicial custody. A case has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to aggravated cheating, and further investigation is underway.
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Fake Licence Promise Allegedly Used to Trap Multiple Victims
Investigating officers said the accused specifically targeted individuals seeking quick entry into pharmacy-related fields or small business ventures. Victims were allegedly assured of government licences in return for payments, but no genuine or valid documents were ever issued.
Bank Records and Digital Clues Hint at Bigger Fraud Network
Police believe the case may not be limited to a single individual and suspect the involvement of a wider network. Based on this possibility, financial transactions, banking records, and digital evidence are being thoroughly examined.
Officials added that such fake licensing rackets often operate through intermediaries and online platforms, making them difficult to detect. These groups typically exploit unemployed youth and small entrepreneurs by offering quick approvals for regulated business activities.
Investigations have also revealed that similar complaints have been received from multiple locations, raising concerns that the number of victims may be significantly higher. Police are currently working to assess the total financial loss and identify all affected individuals.
Authorities described such incidents as a growing concern, where fake agents and brokers misuse official processes to defraud citizens. People have been advised to verify credentials carefully before making any payments related to licences or government documentation.
Police Expand Probe as More Complaints Surface
Police further stated that the accused’s possible links to other individuals are under investigation, and questioning may yield significant revelations. Both digital and offline networks connected to the case are being scrutinized.
Officials have made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in such fraudulent activities. Citizens have also been urged to immediately report any suspicious offers related to licences or official approvals to law enforcement agencies.
The case highlights once again how fraud networks continue to operate under the guise of government approvals and documentation processes, underscoring the need for greater vigilance and verification to avoid falling victim to such scams.
