Kolkata, Dec 1 (NationPress) The primary suspect in the molestation of a young woman inside a moving vehicle in Kolkata last week is believed to be involved in a significant financial fraud scheme, as per the ongoing police investigation.

Law enforcement officials have identified Altaf, who was arrested for the incident, as someone who extorted a substantial amount of money from the victim. It is reported that he threatened her to deter her from approaching the authorities.

Following the molestation incident last Friday night, police apprehended Altaf from his residence in the Garden Reach police station jurisdiction on Sunday. However, authorities are also looking for one of Altaf's associates and the driver of the vehicle involved, as they seek to determine their involvement in the matter.

The incident occurred on Friday night on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Allegations suggest that Altaf and his companions coerced the young woman into their car, forcing her to consume alcohol laced with drugs. Under the influence, she was subjected to molestation and threats, enduring both verbal and physical abuse inside the moving vehicle.

Eventually, the car dropped her off in the Maidan area and fled. The young woman was later rescued by police and transported to SSKM Hospital, where she continues to receive treatment.

A senior police officer disclosed on Monday that after interrogating Altaf, it was revealed that the young woman had met him three months earlier through a mutual friend. At that time, she was in need of several lakhs of rupees, which Altaf learned about.

"It was during this encounter that Altaf presented himself as a loan agent for a company. He convinced the young woman that he could secure her a loan at a very low interest rate, asking for an advance payment," said the police officer.

According to police records, the woman consented to pay the requested processing fee, giving one lakh rupees in various installments. However, after waiting for a considerable time without receiving the loan, she grew suspicious and confronted him about it, leading to threats from Altaf.

"After Altaf failed to return her money, the girl warned him that she would report him to the police. This prompted him to devise a scheme to intimidate her and further threatened her against seeking police intervention," revealed the police officer.

On Friday, Altaf contacted her, claiming he would return a portion of the money, and arranged to meet her at the EM Bypass. "Altaf arrived in a car, picked her up, and initially threatened her inside the vehicle before drugging and molesting her. They then abandoned her in the Maidan area. Altaf was subsequently arrested on charges of kidnapping and molestation," the police officer added.

He has been presented before the Alipore court on Sunday, where the judge ordered him to remain in police custody until December 8. Authorities are continuing their investigation by interrogating him further.