Guwahati, 15th September 2024 : In a major development, the Assam government has decided to transfer all 32 cases related to a massive online trading scam, estimated to have defrauded investors of ₹7,000 crore, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The scam, which rocked the state last month, involves fraudulent stock trading schemes that lured unsuspecting investors with promises of huge returns.
The investigation gained momentum after the mysterious disappearance of Dipankar Barman, who is alleged to have collected a staggering ₹7,000 crore from investors before vanishing. Barman’s disappearance in August brought the scam to the forefront, leading to multiple complaints from duped investors across Assam.
“We have registered 32 cases over the past few days involving fraudulent online stock trading operations that caused significant financial losses. The Cabinet has unanimously decided to hand over these cases to the CBI for a thorough investigation,” Chief Minister Sarma announced.
Sarma, who had recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, revealed that Shah recommended involving the CBI to expedite the investigation. “It will take about a month for the cases to be formally transferred to the CBI. Until then, Assam police will continue their investigations. If more such cases emerge, they too will be handed over to the CBI,” Sarma added.
The scam involved multiple operators across Assam, each independently promising substantial returns through investments in online stock trading. However, instead of legitimate trading, these individuals reportedly pocketed the funds for personal expenses, leaving investors in financial ruin.
In the wake of Barman’s disappearance, Assam Police handed the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which set up a Special Task Force (STF). Over the past two weeks, the STF has registered 32 cases and arrested at least 60 people linked to the scam.
One of the most high-profile arrests was that of 22-year-old Bishal Phukan from Dibrugarh. Phukan allegedly amassed vast sums from victims, including doctors, actors, and public figures, and used the money for lavish personal expenditures. According to police, Phukan spent crores on a grand wedding in Rajasthan and purchased luxury vehicles. He also showered expensive gifts on social media influencer and actor-choreographer Sumi Bora, who he reportedly referred to as his sister.
Sumi Bora, along with her husband Tarkik Bora, became subjects of a 10-day police manhunt following Phukan’s arrest. They were eventually captured on Thursday and are currently in police custody. The couple is suspected of using their social media influence to recruit more victims into the fraudulent schemes.
As the investigation unfolds, Assam authorities hope the CBI’s involvement will bring justice to the thousands of investors who have been financially devastated. In the meantime, police continue to search for Dipankar Barman, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The full extent of the scam is yet to be revealed, but authorities suspect many more cases may surface as the probe deepens.
