Pawns of Jharkhand Cyber Fraudsters, Attempting to Buy Bank Accounts Booked in Tripura

Agartala: In today’s digital age, the nature of crime is evolving rapidly as cyber criminals employ sophisticated methods to exploit technology for fraudulent activities. This alarming reality surfaced at the Matabari area in Gomati district of Tripura, where three individuals were apprehended for attempting to purchase bank accounts, debit cards, and signed cheque leafs. Such tactics are becoming increasingly common in cyber crime networks, highlighting the vulnerability of economically disadvantaged individuals.

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The suspects have been identified as Henry Lalfamkima Molsom (29), son of Sarba Kumar Molsom, and Samrat Molsom (27), son of Santi Pada Molsom, both are residents of Tentaibari area under Killa Police Station in Gomati district and the third accused is Dwija Mani Molsom (45), son of late Judha Kumar Molsom who is a resident of Darjiling Bari under Killa Police Station in Gomati district.

The trio were apprehended after a restaurant owner in Matabari became suspicious when the accused approached him with an unusual offer. According to the police, the suspects offered to purchase his bank account. The restaurant owner then informed the local police and after being informed the Radhakishorepur Police Station team led by Inspector LT Darlong arrived at the location detained the suspects and seized crucial evidence including signed cheque leafs, a cheque book and two debit cards.

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While speaking with the Ukhrul Times Officer-In-Charge of the Radhakishorepur Police Station Babul Das said, “Acting on the received information that three individuals were attempting to purchase bank accounts from a restaurant owner in Matabari area our team reached there and detained them as well as seized important documents including signed cheques, check book, and two debit cards.”

The items seized from the accused included:

1. A blank cheque from HDFC Bank (Santir Bazaar) bearing IFSC No- HDFC0008360, Account No- 50100773323157, Cheque No- 799240012:000005, signed by Binay Chakma.
2. A signed cheque from HDFC Bank (Central Road, Udaipur) for Rs. 2,00,000, dated 24.08.2016, bearing IFSC No- HDFC0002211, Account No- 50200020798179, Cheque No- 799240202:000001, signed by Chinta Manik (in Bengali).
3. A cheque book from HDFC Bank (Central Road, Udaipur), containing two blank cheques with Cheque Nos- 799240202:000009 and 799240202:000010.
4. One HDFC Bank RuPay Debit Card, valid until 02/2029 (Sl No- 02211001802400000051).
5. One HDFC Bank RuPay Debit Platinum Card, valid until 11/2031 (Sl No- 08360001002400000069), with CVV No- 176.

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Officer-In-Charge Das further explained the modus operandi: “Such fraudulent activities are commonly linked to organized cyber crime networks, where criminals from other states like Jharkhand orchestrate large-scale frauds by buying and misusing personal financial instruments. The accounts purchased by the suspects would likely have been used to launder money or facilitate illegal transactions, which could harm innocent individuals who unknowingly become involved in these schemes.“

In addition, Officer Das revealed that the accused had sent the collected accounts, debit cards, and cheques via speed post to the masterminds operating remotely. This is nothing short of a well-organized and far-reaching crime network.

On the other hand, the suspects revealed that they were contacted via social media by unknown individuals who promised them Rs. 10,000/- for each bank account. This amount, seemingly a large sum to individuals living in poverty, tempted them to agree to the offer without understanding the full consequences. The accused believed that by selling their bank accounts and financial instruments, they could earn quick money, unaware of the illegal nature of their actions.

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During a press briefing, Gomati District Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak said, “In many cases, it has been observed that these fraudsters also buy SIM cards linked to bank accounts, and the people, lacking awareness, sell their credentials for Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6,000.”

Recognizing the scale of the operation, the Tripura Police have initiated steps to collaborate with their Jharkhand counterparts to identify and apprehend the masterminds. “This is a significant step forward in dismantling a major cyber crime racket. We are committed to tracing the entire network and bringing all involved to justice,”

He also expressed his gratitude to the public of Udaipur and the restaurant owner for their cooperation, saying the role of the restaurant owner in this case has been widely applauded. His presence of mind and timely alert to the authorities prevented the accused from carrying out their plan and enabled the police to uncover a critical link in the racket. “Such vigilance from citizens is crucial in combating organized crime. We urge everyone to stay alert and report suspicious activities,” the Pathak added.

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Meanwhile, The police have registered Case No. 137/2024 under Sections 303(2), 318(4), 319(2), and 62(2) of the BNS Act, 2023. The accused are currently in custody and will be presented in court for remand and further investigation.