Gorakhpur: The Ramgarhtal police in Gorakhpur have arrested three people, including an employee of Bandhan Bank, in a case involving the alleged use of a bank account as a mule account for cyber fraud. Investigators allege that the accused used the documents of a businessman to open a bank account in the name of his firm and later took possession of the SIM card linked to the account. The account was subsequently found to have been involved in suspected financial transactions worth around ₹75 lakh, with the money allegedly transferred to multiple bank accounts.
The arrested accused have been identified as Harish Kumar Singh, a Bandhan Bank employee posted at the Taramandal branch and a resident of Bakhira in Sant Kabir Nagar; Sushant Vishwakarma, a resident of Raiganj; and Vinay Sahani, a resident of Kali Mandir in Kunraghat. Investigators are now examining the alleged cyber-fraud network and trying to identify other people who may have been involved.
Account allegedly opened and later reactivated
According to the complainant, Harish Kumar Singh had repeatedly requested him to open a bank account in the name of his firm. Following these requests, an account was opened with Bandhan Bank in 2023.
However, the complainant later became dissatisfied with the bank’s services and applied to close the account during the same year.
The complainant alleges that in 2025, Harish again approached him, promising better banking services, and obtained his documents once more. A fresh account was subsequently opened in the name of the firm. Details of the account were allegedly shared with the complainant through WhatsApp.
At that stage, the complainant reportedly had no reason to suspect that the account could later be misused. The alleged irregularities came to light only after substantial financial transactions began taking place through the account.
Documents allegedly taken during vehicle loan inquiry
The complaint states that in April 2026, the businessman approached Harish for information about a loan to purchase a vehicle. During the process, Harish allegedly collected his Aadhaar card, PAN card and other documents.
The vehicle purchase was eventually abandoned because the proposed EMI was considered too high, and the loan process did not proceed.
The complainant alleges that in May, Harish also took away the SIM card linked to the bank account that had been opened in 2023. Harish allegedly informed him about the SIM through WhatsApp later.
According to the complaint, the businessman did not suspect at the time that his identity documents, bank account and linked SIM could allegedly be used for financial transactions connected with cybercrime.
Rajasthan alert leads to discovery of ₹75 lakh transactions
The matter came to light on June 27 when the complainant received information from Rajasthan regarding suspicious or allegedly unauthorised financial transactions linked to his bank account. He was reportedly asked to appear in Rajasthan and explain the transactions.
A subsequent examination of the account allegedly revealed transactions involving around ₹75 lakh. The money was reportedly credited into the account and subsequently transferred to different bank accounts.
The discovery raised suspicions that the complainant’s documents, bank account and SIM had allegedly been used as part of a cyber-fraud operation. The complainant then approached the Ramgarhtal police and lodged a complaint.
Investigators began examining the account-opening documents, transaction records and the alleged roles of the accused.
Bank employee accused of misuse of documents
According to the police investigation, the complainant’s documents were allegedly misused to facilitate the opening of the bank account. Investigators are also examining the role of the mobile number and SIM linked to the account in the suspected transactions.
After the alleged ₹75 lakh cyber-fraud-related transactions came to light, police arrested Harish Kumar Singh, Sushant Vishwakarma and Vinay Sahani.
Investigators are now attempting to establish who transferred the money into the account, who directed its onward movement and who ultimately benefited from the transactions.
Wider cyber network under investigation
Police are examining bank records, mobile phones, SIM cards and other digital evidence recovered during the investigation. The objective is to determine how long the account was allegedly used, how many transactions were carried out and whether the account was linked to multiple cyber-fraud cases.
Investigators are also checking whether the accused allegedly used documents belonging to other individuals to open additional mule accounts.
The investigation will also focus on identifying other members of the suspected network and tracing the complete flow of funds. Further arrests may follow if additional suspects are identified on the basis of evidence.
The case highlights the risks associated with allowing other people to handle personal identity documents, bank accounts or SIM cards. Account holders should regularly monitor transactions in accounts opened in their name and immediately report any unfamiliar activity to their bank and the appropriate cybercrime authorities.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
