A fraud involving crores of rupees against Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been uncovered in West Bengal’s Howrah district. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police Detective Department arrested three accused in connection with the case. During the operation, police recovered around ₹1.55 crore in cash. The raid was carried out with the help of the Anti-Bank Fraud Section.
Fraud Dates Back to 2018
According to the police, the fraud began around 2018. Investigators found that the directors and guarantors of M/s Iinings Ventures Pvt. Ltd., based in Dumurjala, Howrah, allegedly planned to cheat Punjab National Bank by using forged documents.
Fake Building Plan Used to Get Loan
The investigation revealed that the accused prepared a fake building sanction plan that was falsely shown as being issued by the Howrah Municipal Corporation (HMC). They submitted this forged document to Punjab National Bank and allegedly obtained approval for a Cash Credit (CC) loan of ₹3.90 crore.
Loan Money Allegedly Diverted
Police said that after receiving the loan, the accused did not repay the EMIs or the principal amount. Instead, they allegedly transferred the loan money to the bank accounts of their other companies. These companies include:
- M/s Adams Appliances Pvt. Ltd.
- M/s Knox & Chefs Deck Pvt. Ltd.
- M/s Admas Appliances & Electronics Pvt. Ltd.
- M/s Admas Furniture Pvt. Ltd.
Investigators believe the funds were diverted instead of being used for the approved purpose.
Police Raid and Cash Recovery
After receiving a complaint, the Detective Department’s SIT started an investigation. On Tuesday night, the police raided the accused’s premises at Nandlal Chatterjee Lane in Howrah.
During the operation, three people were arrested. They have been identified as Manas Roy, Tapas Roy, and Tanmay Roy.
Based on information provided by the accused, police searched the premises and recovered around ₹1.55 crore in cash, which has been seized.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing their investigation and are searching for other accused persons, including Snigdha Roy and Prashant Chaudhary.
A case has been registered against the arrested accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused have been produced before the court, and the police are seeking their custody for further investigation.
More details will be released soon.
