Kolkata Police have arrested Bihar politician Rajeev Ranjan Kumar in connection with multi-crore fraud and forgery. Kumar is accused of cheating retired Calcutta High Court Judge Indrajit Chatterjee of ₹4.49 crore and attempting to sell a property worth ₹1 crore using forged documents. Kumar had been residing in Salt Lake, Kolkata, and was reportedly preparing to contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections from Vibhutipur constituency.
Highlights
- Two separate FIRs filed against Kumar in September 2025.
- Accused allegedly defrauded retired judge and manipulated property documents.
- Arrested by Vidhan Nagar Police Intelligence Unit from Salt Lake.
- Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Sections 316 (Cheating), 318 (Forgery), 319 (Using forged documents), 120 (Criminal Conspiracy).
Case Details
The first FIR, lodged on 7 September, alleged that Kumar defrauded retired Judge Chatterjee under the pretext of high-return investments, misappropriating ₹4.49 crore.
The second FIR, registered on 14 September, involves forging property documents to sell a property valued at ₹1 crore in Salt Lake CD Block. Complaints claim that Kumar tampered with ownership records to facilitate illegal transactions.
Police produced Kumar in court following his arrest and placed him in judicial custody. Investigations are ongoing.
Political Background
Rajeev Ranjan Kumar hails from Vibhutipur, Samastipur district, Bihar. He contested the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections as a BSP candidate but was defeated. Post-elections, he relocated to Kolkata and allegedly engaged in real estate and fraudulent investment schemes, exploiting his political identity and connections.
Authorities suspect that his network extends across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Investigation and Police Statement
Vidhan Nagar Police have seized Kumar’s bank accounts, property records, and electronic devices. Preliminary findings indicate that he defrauded multiple investors and manipulated property deals for personal financial gain.
A senior officer stated:
“This is a case of organized financial crime. The accused misused public trust and political influence. We are investigating his network and potential collaborators.”
Legal Implications
The case has been registered under BNS 2023 Sections 316, 318, 319, and 120. Conviction could result in long-term imprisonment and heavy fines. Legal experts emphasize that the BNS framework strengthens accountability and ensures that no individual is above the law, regardless of political or social status.
Conclusion
The arrest of Rajeev Ranjan Kumar highlights the risks of financial crimes intertwined with political influence. Police investigations, including cyber and financial forensics, are ongoing, and more names may emerge in connection with the network.
Kumar’s case underscores that under BNS regulations, organized financial fraud will be met with strict action, sending a strong message to political and social elites involved in unlawful financial dealings.
