In a fresh breakthrough in the Rs 2,200 crore Assam online trading scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday announced the arrest of Gopal Paul, considered a primary suspect.
According to a CBI spokesperson, the arrest took place in Siliguri, West Bengal, where Paul had been in hiding.
Paul’s detention marks a significant advancement in the investigation surrounding unregulated deposit schemes defrauding investors across Assam.
“The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation of 41 cases in Assam concerning various unregulated deposit schemes, following a recommendation by the government of Assam,” the spokesperson stated, adding that Paul’s involvement has been tied to AJRS Marketing Pvt. Ltd., one of the 41 cases under the CBI’s purview.
Originally managed by the Assam Police, the investigation into these dubious schemes had already yielded numerous arrests, including individuals identified as key operatives in the fraud.
However, Paul had evaded capture until now. In late October, the CBI officially took control of the cases, initiating an intensified investigation with multiple search operations.
CBI officers have conducted a series of searches, spanning 92 locations in five states, yielding a wealth of evidence, including 24 mobile phones, 18 desktop computers, seven hard drives, and 11 laptops.
The collected data reportedly includes detailed records of depositors who were lured into these unregulated schemes with the promise of high returns on their investments.
"In one particular case involving AJRS Marketing Pvt. Ltd., CBI has apprehended the primary accused, who had been evading authorities since the registration of the FIR. He was located at a hideout in Siliguri, where incriminating evidence was also recovered," the spokesperson added.
The scam, which first emerged in late August, saw its first light when investors, many of whom had invested heavily in schemes run by 29-year-old businessman Deepankar Barman, reported non-payment of promised returns.
Barman’s office had reportedly shut its doors abruptly on August 21, spurring a string of complaints from concerned investors.
Assam Police took swift action, arresting Barman, actor Sumi Bora and her husband, and Bishal Phukan, alongside others implicated in the case.
Thus far, approximately 18 individuals have been apprehended for alleged involvement in the complex web of deceit.
The CBI, since assuming charge, has accelerated efforts to dismantle the network, using evidence gathered to identify and arrest those who facilitated the scheme.
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