Four people have been arrested and three security personnel suspended in connection with a viral video showing a woman displaying what appeared to be several crores of rupees at her residence in Tripura's Dhalai district, police officials confirmed on Tuesday, 19 May. The case has exposed what investigators describe as a large, organised illegal money investment racket with possible links to drug trafficking.

Key Developments

With the fresh arrest of two women, the total number of persons taken into custody has risen to four. The arrested individuals include a police personnel, a health department employee, and the wife of a police constable. All four were produced before a local court, which remanded them to police custody for detailed interrogation.

Separately, a Tripura State Rifles jawan and two police personnel — including a woman constable — were suspended by the authorities. Around 15 people have been detained or questioned so far, and nearly ₹5 crore in cash has reportedly come under the scanner during the investigation.

What the Investigation Has Uncovered

According to an official police report, preliminary findings indicate that the accused are part of a 'large, organised and influential illegal money investment racket that collected crores of rupees from businessmen and people, especially police personnel, by promising high interest returns and profits.' When investors demanded their money back, the accused allegedly resorted to 'intimidation, threats, and even death threats through their clandestine network,' the report stated.

Investigators further allege that the syndicate used the influence of its members — including serving police personnel — to operate the scheme and potentially channel defrauded funds into illegal activities. A police constable, Rupak Saha (30), has also filed a formal complaint against the accused over their alleged illegal financial dealings.

Drug Trafficking Link Under Probe

Police suspect the involvement of an inter-state racket linked to both illegal financial transactions and drug trafficking. Officials believe the funds may have originated from illegal narcotics operations involving contraband smuggled into Tripura from outside the state. Investigators are currently working to establish the precise source of the cash. Notably, no physical cash has yet been recovered from the residence of the constable's wife at the centre of the viral video.

What the Government Said

Chief Minister Manik Saha said he directed officials to act after watching the video on social media. 'We never hide or protect anyone accused of a crime. Law will take its own course,' he told the media. Director General of Police Anurag reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction and ordered senior officials to rush to the area and take stringent action.

Acting on those instructions, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath, Dhalai district Superintendent of Police Rushikesh Jaysing Desai, and several other senior officials launched an intensive investigation. Two formal cases have been registered, with an in-depth probe currently underway.

Background and What Comes Next

The case triggered widespread concern across Tripura after the video, showing bundles of ₹100, ₹500, and ₹2,000 currency notes suspected to be worth several crores, surfaced on social media last week from the Bhatkhowri area under Salema police station in Dhalai district. During interrogation, the accused have allegedly made several allegations and counter-allegations against one another, further complicating the probe. Investigators are now working to map the full network and determine whether a wider inter-state operation is behind the scheme.