Did Bengal Police Just Arrest a Notorious Cyber Fraud Couple?
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Synopsis
In a startling arrest, a couple from Bihar has been detained by West Bengal Police for their alleged involvement in over 900 cyber fraud cases nationwide. Their fraudulent activities, marked by impersonation and deceit, targeted unsuspecting victims near BSF outposts, leading to an extensive investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Couple arrested for extensive cyber fraud.
- Targeted individuals near BSF outposts.
- Over 900 FIRs registered against them.
- Impersonated BSF officials to deceive victims.
- Significant financial losses reported by victims.
Kolkata, July 29 (NationPress) The West Bengal Police announced on Tuesday the apprehension of a couple from Darbhanga, Bihar, implicated in over 900 cyber fraud cases registered nationwide over the past two years.
The identified suspects, Shubhajit Ballav and Riya Haldar Ballav, are accused of deceiving more than 900 individuals across various states, including West Bengal.
The couple was taken into custody by the Cooch Behar police from a hotel in Darbhanga late Monday. They originally hail from Ranaghat in the Nadia district. Previously, they had been arrested by the Jangipur Police Station in Murshidabad district, but after securing bail, they resumed their fraudulent activities.
On Tuesday, Cooch Behar District Superintendent of Police Duteeman Bhattacharya briefed the media regarding the couple's capture. He stated, “Two cases were lodged in the Sahebganj and Tufanganj police stations of Cooch Behar. During the investigation, the husband and wife were arrested from a hotel in Darbhanga last night, and we have brought them back to Cooch Behar on transit remand today.”
Authorities revealed that the couple orchestrated their scams by targeting customer service points located near various Border Security Force (BSF) outposts.
Investigations uncovered that the couple engaged in financial fraud by approaching individuals visiting the Customer Service Point (CSP) near the BSF Border Outpost (BOP). They would contact victims using unknown mobile numbers, impersonating BSF officers, company commanders, or inspectors.
“They claimed that if victims sent a certain amount of money, it would be returned in cash or as a commission. The victims later discovered at the BSF camp that such a person didn't exist,” Bhattacharya explained.
Upon entering Shubhajit's phone number into the National Crime Records Portal, it revealed a staggering 877 FIRs associated with that number in 2024 alone. There were 68 additional cases in 2025, with 19 of those filed in Cooch Behar district. In total, the couple is accused of defrauding individuals out of Rs. 48 lakh 15 thousand across the 68 cases in 2025.
According to police records, the couple faces 183 cases in Uttar Pradesh, 107 in Rajasthan, 77 in Telangana, 60 in Maharashtra, 55 in Delhi, 54 in Bihar, 49 in Tamil Nadu, and 43 in West Bengal. Additionally, 258 cases have been filed against them in various Union Territories.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the ongoing battle against cybercrime. This case illustrates the alarming prevalence of fraud schemes and the need for increased public awareness. The swift action by West Bengal Police demonstrates their commitment to safeguarding citizens from such deceitful practices. A national approach is essential to combat this growing issue effectively.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What crimes were the couple arrested for?
The couple was arrested for their involvement in over 900 cases of cyber fraud committed across various states in India.
How did the couple operate their scams?
They targeted individuals at Customer Service Points near BSF outposts, impersonating BSF officers and promising returns on sent money.
What has been the financial impact of their fraud?
The couple is accused of defrauding victims out of approximately Rs. 48 lakh 15 thousand in the year 2025 alone.
Where were the suspects arrested?
They were apprehended from a hotel in Darbhanga, Bihar.
What is the police's plan moving forward?
The police will continue their investigation and may pursue additional charges based on ongoing inquiries into their activities.
