123 Kolkata: A Chetla resident was reportedly duped of Rs 1.3 lakh while applying for a Rs 19 subsidy on his gas cylinder. The victim, identified as Nabakumar Manna, claimed he received a video call a few days ago where the fraudster correctly guessed his local dealer's name while offering a subsidy of Rs 200 instead of Rs 19 on the gas cylinder.
"I got a phone call. They asked how much gas subsidy I was receiving. I get Rs 19 and 50 paise. We were told we would get Rs 220 each. This has started being given. They said that during the lockdown period, the outstanding amount up to Rs 5,500 would also be given. They sent a link saying this. They mentioned the name of someone familiar from the gas office, saying it was Bishu Da speaking... I believed it. Even when I called the phone number, it showed as the gas office."
"He lost money around 9.30 am on March 13. More than 60% of the amount was withdrawn from the accounts within one hour. We received the complaint by 2.30 pm. However, by 6.30 pm, the entire amount of Rs 1.3 lakh was withdrawn," stated a police source.
Manna has already filed a written complaint at the Chetla police station. The South Division police's cyber cell has launched an investigation into the incident.According to police, such fake calls about gas cylinder subsidies are being received by various customers.