Dehradun: Investigating agencies have made a significant breakthrough in a ₹3.20 crore cyber fraud case in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, with the arrest of wanted accused Chandrakant Mishra from Kolkata. The accused is alleged to have been part of a cyber fraud operation in which criminals impersonated senior company officials and the Managing Director to contact a company’s General Manager through WhatsApp and persuade him to transfer crores of rupees into different bank accounts.
The investigation began following a case registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Dehradun. Investigators found that the accused allegedly misused the identities of company officials to gain the confidence of the General Manager. The victim was instructed to make payments in the name of project advance payments and other essential business transactions. During the process, funds were also transferred to an account belonging to Shyam Trading Company.
Fake Senior Official Identity Used to Build Trust
According to the investigation, the alleged fraud relied heavily on social engineering. The accused reportedly presented themselves as senior company executives and the Managing Director. Through WhatsApp conversations, they allegedly created a sense of urgency and authority, making the instructions appear genuine and encouraging the employee to make the payments without raising sufficient suspicion.
Investigators are now examining how confidential company-related information reached the accused and whether the information was used to create convincing fake identities. The movement of the allegedly defrauded money across different bank accounts is also being traced.
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Technical Investigation Led Team to Kolkata
Given the seriousness of the case, investigators used technical analysis along with other investigative inputs to trace the accused. After receiving crucial information about his whereabouts, the team travelled to Kolkata and arrested Chandrakant Mishra, a resident of Green Field City, Maheshtala.
During the arrest, investigators recovered two mobile phones, four SIM cards and a laptop from his possession. The electronic devices are being subjected to forensic examination to identify communications, digital records and other evidence relevant to the case.
Editable Documents Found on Laptop
According to the investigation, the initial examination of the laptop revealed editable documents related to several companies and organisations. These reportedly included bank loan applications, copies of Aadhaar and PAN cards and other important documents.
Investigators are examining the source and purpose of these documents. They are also trying to determine whether the material was used to create fake identities, facilitate financial transactions or support other cyber fraud operations.
Mobile Phones and SIM Cards Under Forensic Examination
The recovered mobile phones and SIM cards are expected to provide important clues about the alleged network. Investigators are examining WhatsApp conversations, contact details, communication records and possible financial transactions associated with the devices.
The investigation is also focused on determining the exact role played by Chandrakant Mishra. Authorities are examining whether his alleged involvement was limited to facilitating fund transfers or whether he performed a more significant role within the wider cyber fraud network.
He is also being questioned about the movement of the allegedly defrauded funds and the identities of other people who may have assisted in the operation.
Three Other Accused Already Arrested
Three other accused have previously been arrested in connection with the case, and a chargesheet has already been filed against them before the court, according to the investigation. The arrest of Chandrakant Mishra is expected to help investigators establish the structure of the alleged network and trace the flow of the ₹3.20 crore.
Investigators are continuing efforts to identify other people potentially connected with the fraud. They are also examining whether the group allegedly used similar methods to target other companies or business representatives.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the accused will be subject to further investigation and judicial proceedings.
