The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested two proclaimed offenders wanted in an alleged ₹1.25 crore fraud involving the State Bank of India’s main branch in Dhanbad. The accused were apprehended in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh after allegedly evading investigators under assumed identities for nearly two decades.
Fraud Case Registered in 2005
The CBI registered the case on August 31, 2005, following allegations that more than ₹1.25 crore was fraudulently siphoned from the SBI branch between November 2002 and June 2005.
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Investigators alleged that the funds were misappropriated through fraudulent transactions. Several people came under investigation after the financial irregularities were detected.
The arrested accused were identified as Brijbhushan Prasad and Kartar Singh. The agency said both allegedly fled to Nepal during the initial stages of the investigation and remained beyond the reach of law enforcement for several years.
A court later declared them proclaimed offenders. Red Corner Notices were issued against the accused, while the CBI announced a reward of ₹25,000 each for information leading to their arrest.
Accused Allegedly Lived Under False Identities
The agency said the two men concealed their identities and whereabouts while living in different parts of the country for nearly 20 years.
Investigators examined identity records, communication patterns, documentary material and technical evidence to trace their movements. Intelligence inputs were repeatedly verified before the agency launched its coordinated operation.
Brijbhushan Prasad was arrested from Kopargaon in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district, while Kartar Singh was apprehended from Raipur in Chhattisgarh. Both arrests were made on June 21.
The CBI said years of surveillance, technical analysis and intelligence gathering helped investigators establish the suspects’ locations and confirm their identities.
Arrests May Provide Fresh Leads
Investigators continue to examine the movement of funds and the possible involvement of other individuals in the alleged fraud. The arrests could provide fresh information about unresolved aspects of the case and the financial transactions under scrutiny.
The agency is expected to analyse additional records and other evidence connected with the alleged misappropriation.
Both accused are being produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.
