Police Busts Fraud and Cigarette Racket in Major Crackdown

The South West District Police's Cyber Cell has apprehended a 24-year-old suspect, identified as Malya Das, for allegedly defrauding senior citizens. He posed as a telecom representative, convincing victims to update their KYC details and install the TeamViewer app, ultimately accessing their phones and diverting funds to fuel his online gaming activities, as confirmed by police officials.

The police launched an investigation following a 2021 complaint about a financial fraud totaling Rs 1,51,700. Through dedicated efforts, authorities identified and located Das, who had tried to evade law enforcement before being captured during a raid in West Medinipur, West Bengal. A school dropout, Das is believed to have used his HDFC account to launder the stolen money.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Delhi Police's Operations Cell discovered a godown in Vasant Kunj storing illicit tobacco products. Two men, Parikshit and PP Chengappa, were arrested. An operation on June 27 led to the seizure of 94,000 foreign cigarette packets, marking a major step in curbing illegal trade in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)