CBI Nabs Three Fugitive Suspects in Tripura Chit-Fund Scandal
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 7, the CBI arrested three fugitives linked to the Tripura chit-fund scandal from various locations including Hyderabad, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. This follows a lengthy investigation into the misappropriation of public funds by illegal chit fund operations.
Key Takeaways
- Three absconding suspects arrested in multiple states.
- CBI's ongoing investigation into Tripura's chit-fund scams.
- Legal actions including Non-Bailable Warrants issued.
- Victims of scams may receive refunds as ordered by the court.
- Chit fund operations have caused significant financial distress.
New Delhi/Agartala, Feb 7 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended three absconding suspects from Hyderabad, Hojai (Assam), and Vellore (Tamil Nadu) linked to the Tripura chit-fund scam case, as reported on Friday.
According to CBI sources, Minnatullah Barbhuiya was detained in Hyderabad, Kamrul Islam Barbhuiya in Hojai (Assam), and Imdadullah Barbhuiya in Vellore (Tamil Nadu) on Thursday.
All three individuals are from Hailakandi district in Assam. Minnatullah Barbhuiya and Kamrul Islam Barbhuiya serve as Directors of Kama (Indian) Projects and Services Ltd.
The CBI re-registered a case based on notifications from the Tripura government and the government of India, taking over three separate cases filed in West Agartala, Kumarghat, and Teliamura police stations in 2014, 2013, and 2012 respectively.
Sources indicated that the central investigation agency assumed responsibility for the cases from Tripura police to examine allegations of significant fund collection from the public, promising high returns without authorization from SEBI, RBI, or other regulatory bodies. This led to the misappropriation of funds by the management of M/s Kama (India) Projects and Services Ltd.
During the investigation, it became evident that the principal suspects—Minnatullah, Kamrul Islam, and Imdadullah—had evaded authorities and had not cooperated with the investigation up to that point.
Consequently, Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) were issued by a Special CBI Court in Agartala to ensure their presence during the investigation.
On Thursday, CBI successfully located, intercepted, and arrested the three absconding suspects in Hyderabad, Hojai (Assam), and Vellore (Tamil Nadu).
An official stated that they would soon be presented in court.
Meanwhile, on February 3, the CBI apprehended another suspect, Bikash Das, a resident of Hailakandi district, from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, in connection with the Tripura chit fund scam.
Das was wanted in two FIRs related to the alleged scam cases referred to the CBI by the Tripura government.
A Special CBI Judge in Agartala previously declared him a proclaimed offender, having been on the run since 2013, and issued a standing warrant against him on August 16, 2024.
The CBI also announced a cash reward of Rs 20,000 for information leading to his capture.
The chit fund scams in Tripura have significantly impacted the northeastern state, with numerous illegal companies using controversial Ponzi schemes to defraud thousands of individuals of their savings.
Last year, the Tripura High Court mandated the creation of a scheme to refund money to customers cheated by these chit fund companies.
