Kolkata: A New Town resident alleged that he was duped of Rs 41 lakh by fraudsters posing as CBI officials. According to the written complaint, the man began receiving calls on March 5 from unknown persons who identified themselves as Naresh Goyal, Sandeep Rao and Karan Sharma. One of the callers allegedly posed as a CBI officer. The callers claimed that an ATM card was issued in his name and that he was linked to a fake bank account and a financial scam. They allegedly threatened him with arrest and other legal consequences.
The complainant told cops he was informed an account was opened in his name in Mumbai and that he was connected to a scam involving another individual. He said he did not hold any such account. The callers allegedly continued to pressure him over the phone and through internet-based calls, warning him of immediate action unless he complied with their instructions.
The man, fearing arrest, transferred Rs 40,95,000 through RTGS on March 7 from his account to a public sector bank account located at a remote location in Telangana. The account was owned by a private firm. Police said an FIR was registered in this regard at the New Town PS on March 10 under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 316(2) and 61(2) of the BNS.
The complainant said one of the calls came from three separate numbers, all of which were switched off by the time he reached the cops. He alleged that the callers directed him to send money to an account in Telangana while continuing to threaten him. After the transfer, he realised he was cheated and approached the authorities.
Police said the complainant already filed a report on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal before approaching the police station.