Kolkata Police Initiates Investigation into Series of Robberies by Inter-State Gang
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Synopsis
Kolkata Police are investigating a series of robberies linked to an inter-state gang targeting local businessmen. These crimes involve impersonation of officials from central agencies and fake raids, leading to significant financial losses.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Police are probing inter-state robberies.
- Crimes linked to the Irani Gang from Mumbai.
- Gang members impersonate central agency officials.
- Fake raids result in theft of cash and valuables.
- Public advised to report suspicious raids immediately.
Kolkata, March 31 (NationPress) Following a string of similar forgery cases occurring within a mere two months, the detectives of Kolkata Police have commenced a thorough investigation into an inter-state criminal syndicate that is specifically targeting and robbing local businessmen.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the preliminary investigation has uncovered that these recent crimes, allegedly perpetrated by members of the same gang, are linked to a Mumbai-based group known as the “Irani Gang”, which is notorious for engaging in similar forgery schemes.
The modus operandi employed by this criminal group involves members masquerading as officials from central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), or the Income Tax department. They arrive at the residences, offices, or shops of targeted city-based businessmen, predominantly medium-level traders, and conduct fake raids and searches. During these operations, they abscond with cash and valuables.
Reportedly, these fraudsters present counterfeit identification cards of central agencies and, before departing, obtain the signatures of the businessmen or traders on fraudulent seizure lists.
In some instances, traders or their representatives are intercepted on the road while en route to the bank from their homes or offices to deposit cash.
According to city police sources, the sequence of events typically concludes with the cash being seized under the pretext of an official operation, leaving the victim with only a fake seizure list.
The latest incident occurred on the night of March 27, when an employee from a jewelry shop located in the city’s business district of Cotton Street was stopped while transporting gold ornaments for delivery to a client.
During transit, the employee was approached by three unidentified individuals impersonating CBI officers. They falsely accused the employee of carrying ornaments made from smuggled gold and proceeded to seize (rob) the entire consignment of jewelry, valued at over Rs 33 lakhs.
Similar incidents, exhibiting the same modus operandi, have been reported from various other locales in Kolkata, including Jorasanko in North Kolkata, Hare Street in central Kolkata, and Bidhan-nagar in the northern outskirts over the past two months, leading investigating officials to believe that a specific gang is responsible for all these crimes.
In light of these events, the city police have issued an advisory to the public. In the event of such purported raids and searches at any residence or business, it is recommended that the affected individuals immediately notify either the local police station or the control room of the city police headquarters for verification of the legitimacy of the operation.
Furthermore, if individuals are stopped on the road by alleged raiding officials, the Kolkata Police advises that they should insist the supposed officials accompany them to the local police station to complete the necessary formalities.
If these individuals refuse to go to the police station, the affected person should promptly contact the control room to report the incident.
