A joint crackdown by the Kolkata Military Intelligence unit and the local Nabagram police culminated in the arrest of an imposter who allegedly masqueraded as a high-ranking Indian Army officer to swindle job seekers out of millions.
The suspect, identified as Tarun Das, a resident of Murshidabad’s Sagardighi region was apprehended late Sunday evening. Authorities presented him before the Lalbagh Sub-Divisional Court on Monday, seeking a 10-day police remand to further probe his extortion network.
Modus Operandi & Recovery
According to law enforcement sources, Das routinely passed himself off as a Lieutenant Colonel attached to Military Intelligence. To build credibility and deceive unsuspecting victims, he frequently donned full military attire and presented forged official credentials, promising lucrative employment in the armed forces in exchange for large cash sums.
The suspect used high-profile disguises and counterfeit documentation to gain the trust of gullible individuals seeking defense jobs, an officer privy to the investigation noted.
Military Intelligence officers had kept Das under surveillance following reports of his questionable activities. Acting on precise actionable intelligence, security personnel launched a coordinated night raid alongside Nabagram police to take him into custody.
During the operation, investigators confiscated:
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Vehicle: A four-wheeler bearing a “Government of India” decal.
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Communication Gear: Three handheld walkie-talkies and several mobile phones.
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Evidence: Forged identity documents, incriminating paperwork, and other paraphernalia linked to the scam.