BENGALURU— A woman accused of carrying out a substantial financial deception involving a public sector bank has been taken into custody in Bengaluru, ending an extensive pursuit that spanned almost seven years. Nasreen Taj, a primary figure in a fraud case amounting to more than ₹12 Crores at a branch of Syndicate Bank in Mandya, was arrested on July 19, 2025, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Her capture is expected to restart a legal process that has been dormant for several years due to her evasion.
The Origins of the Deception
The investigation into the alleged fraud began on April 15, 2009, with the initial complaint naming nine individuals, including Ms. Taj and her husband, Asadullah Khan. At the time, Mr. Khan held a managerial position at the bank branch in question. The accusations centered on a complex scheme designed to illegally acquire funds from the financial institution. The case gained momentum with the filing of a formal charge sheet against Ms. Taj on October 12, 2010, outlining her role in the conspiracy.
Unraveling the Fraudulent Scheme
According to investigators, the accused planned to defraud the bank through a series of deceptive transactions. This included obtaining what were described as “temporary overdrafts” and a number of agricultural loans under false pretenses. Instead of directing these funds towards their stated purpose of agricultural development, the money was allegedly diverted and misused. A significant portion of the fraudulently obtained loan amounts was purportedly used to settle the outstanding temporary overdrafts, effectively cycling the ill-gotten gains within the bank’s system and concealing the true nature of the transactions.
A Seven-Year Chase Culminates
Following the filing of the charge sheet, Ms. Taj failed to appear for her trial proceedings, leading to a series of escalating legal actions. Since 2019, various court orders for her arrest were issued, and in November 2021, she was formally declared a proclaimed offender, signaling her status as a fugitive from justice. For years, she managed to evade authorities by reportedly living under an assumed identity in Bengaluru. The CBI’s persistent efforts, employing a combination of modern digital footprint analysis, sophisticated surveillance techniques, and traditional investigative groundwork, ultimately led to her precise location and subsequent apprehension.
Justice Delayed, Now Resumed
With Ms. Taj now in judicial custody, the long-standing trial is about to recommence. Her presence in court is critical for the proceedings to move forward, and her arrest marks a pivotal moment for the prosecution seeking to bring the case to a conclusion. The outcome of the renewed trial will determine the full extent of her involvement and the legal consequences for the alleged multi-crore bank fraud that has remained unresolved for over a decade.