He used an Indian Army uniform and fake identity cards to run a fraud worth crores in the name of providing jobs in the defence forces. A joint security force has finally apprehended a dreaded fraudster who targeted unemployed youths by posing as a fake army officer. The notorious fraudster was arrested in a joint operation by the Kolkata Army Intelligence Branch and Nabagram Police on Sunday night in Nabagram, Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
The arrested fraudster has been identified as Tarun Das, a resident of the Sagardighi area. On Monday, police produced the accused before the Lalbagh Sub-Divisional Court. In the interest of tracing the roots of the entire racket, the court remanded the fraudster to 10 days of police custody.
Many details of the accused’s deception came to light during this custody. Tarun Das had been giving a fake identity as a senior Lieutenant Colonel of the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces and Military Intelligence wing. He used to roam openly in different areas wearing a full military uniform. He had put up ‘Government of India’ boards on the front and rear of his white four-wheeler. Carrying three walkie-talkies in his hand, he displayed the power of a high-ranking officer and gained the trust of common people. Taking advantage of this trust and power, he siphoned off large amounts of money from unemployed candidates in the name of providing jobs in the defence forces.
Meanwhile, the police have been able to seize the vehicle with the government board from the arrested fraudster during the operation. At the same time, three walkie-talkies, several mobile phones, fake army identity cards and many incriminating documents were also recovered from the possession of the accused. Police said that despite roaming around with such a fake identity in the area for a long time, neighbours had no clue about his real criminal character.
Tarun Das had been under strict surveillance by intelligence for the past several days due to his suspicious movements. Based on secret information, police apprehended the fraudster in an operation on Sunday night. Investigating officers are currently continuing interrogation regarding how far the network of this recruitment scam has spread and whether any other persons are involved in the racket. On the other hand, in view of the recovery of highly sensitive communication equipment, the Army intelligence agency is also examining the security aspect of the entire incident.
