In two separate high-value fraud cases reported from Kolkata, victims have collectively lost over ₹78 lakh. One incident involved a woman defrauded through an elaborate scheme involving impersonation of army officials and misuse of her ancestral jewellery. The other case saw a man fall prey to a fake online share trading platform that promised exaggerated returns.
Woman Loses ₹11 Lakh Jewellery in Alleged Army Impersonation Scam
A woman residing in central Kolkata’s Purna Das Road area has filed a police complaint accusing three individuals, including a man impersonating an Indian Army Major, of cheating her out of ancestral jewellery worth ₹11.26 lakh. The accused allegedly convinced her to hand over the jewellery under the pretext of securing a gold loan for their struggling business.
According to the complaint, the woman was approached shortly after she relocated to Kolkata post-pandemic. The key accused, identified as P. Mahajan, introduced himself as a Major and gained her trust along with an alleged retired Colonel named R. Robertson. The two, along with a woman accomplice, reportedly took the victim to military installations and even facilitated her presence at a Republic Day Parade, adding legitimacy to their identities and intentions.
“They said they needed temporary financial support for their business and offered to return my jewellery within 11 months,” the victim said. However, over two and a half years have passed without any repayment or return of valuables. Instead, she claims, the accused issued blank cheques to pacify her, then resorted to threats and blackmail when pressed for the promised return. Police are now investigating the case under charges of impersonation, criminal breach of trust, and intimidation.
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₹67.5 Lakh Vanishes in New Town Share Trading Cyber Scam
In another alarming case, a resident of Action Area-2D in New Town was duped of ₹67.5 lakh through a fraudulent online share trading scheme. The victim, believing he was investing via a legitimate private banking mobile application, was promised returns worth ₹3 crore. Drawn in by the prospect of high profits, he made multiple payments through RTGS transfers, unaware of the elaborate scam.
The fraudsters maintained contact over phone calls and the platform’s chat feature, providing forged documents and transaction statements to keep the illusion alive. The trap was finally revealed when, on May 20, the scammers demanded additional funds, threatening to cancel the investment plan if the victim didn’t comply.
Realizing the deception, the victim promptly filed a complaint via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Investigators suspect a larger interstate or international network could be operating behind the fake trading platform, which mimicked the interface of genuine investment apps.
Dual Frauds Raise Concerns Over Identity Misuse and Cyber Security
Both cases have sparked concern among citizens and law enforcement over the growing sophistication of fraud tactics—from impersonation of high-ranking officials to technology-driven scams that mimic legitimate financial platforms.
Officials advise the public to:
- Avoid sharing personal or financial documents without proper verification.
- Refrain from engaging in high-return investment schemes without checking the credentials of the platform or company.
- Report suspicious behavior immediately to the National Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or local police stations.
Law enforcement agencies in Kolkata are now working with cybercrime cells to track the digital trails, verify identities, and recover the lost funds. Meanwhile, both victims await justice in what are now being considered high-profile fraud cases involving impersonation, blackmail, and online deception.
