Agartala, May 19: A sensational financial fraud case involving several women and with alleged links to police personnel has come to light in Tripura after viral social media videos showing large bundles of cash triggered a major police investigation.
So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the suspected racket operating in parts of the state.
The investigation began after videos circulated widely on social media on May 16, showing two women allegedly handling huge amounts of cash. In another video that surfaced the following day, a TSR jawan was reportedly seen stuffing bundles of currency into packets, raising serious questions over the source of the money.
Following the viral clips, police launched a preliminary inquiry which soon led to the registration of separate cases at Salema Police Station and West Agartala Police Station.
According to police sources, the racket allegedly collected massive sums of money from people by promising unusually high returns within a fixed period.
One police staff, who later filed a formal complaint, alleged that he had invested nearly Rs 65 lakh in the scheme but failed to recover the promised returns. He also accused the racket of threatening investors who demanded repayment.
During the investigation, police raided the residence of TSR jawan Ajit Debbarma and reportedly recovered a substantial amount of cash. Soon after, he was placed under suspension. On May 18, police arrested Ajit Debbarma and his wife Menaka Debbarma, a police constable. Both are residents of Teliamura.
Officer-in-Charge of Salema Dipak Das said the accused were produced before the court with a request for 10 days police remand. The court granted eight days remand for further interrogation.
Police said notices are also being issued to several persons suspected to be associated with the alleged racket either as investors or active participants.
Meanwhile, in a separate development linked to the case, police arrested Sanjana Debbarma and Nandurani Debbarma from Dhalai district under a case registered at West Agartala Police Station. Sanjana is reportedly the wife of another suspended police constable, while Nandurani works as an optometric assistant.
Investigators believe the scam may involve a much larger network and substantial financial transactions. Police are now trying to determine the total amount collected through the scheme and identify others connected to the operation.
Senior police officials have reportedly taken the matter seriously, with strict instructions issued for a thorough investigation. Authorities are also probing whether the seized money has links to other illegal activities, including possible narcotics-related transactions.
The investigation is currently underway, and officials have indicated that more arrests are on the card.