Kolkata, 21 March (H.S.): A major ATM fraud racket busted in Siliguri has taken a serious turn after police investigations revealed a suspected Pakistan link. Four youths arrested from Bihar’s East Champaran district were found to have connections with Pakistani phone numbers, raising concerns about a possible larger conspiracy.
According to police sources, forensic examination of the accused persons’ mobile phones revealed multiple WhatsApp contacts linked to Pakistani numbers. Investigators believe these contacts were used to issue instructions regarding financial transactions and withdrawals.
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Modus operandi involved renting bank accounts
Preliminary investigations indicate that the gang targeted economically vulnerable individuals across different parts of the country and rented their bank accounts for illegal transactions. Funds were allegedly transferred into these accounts from Pakistan and subsequently withdrawn through ATM cards.
The arrested accused Rizwan Alam, Azad Alam, Mohammad Imran, and Sher Mohammad allegedly used ATM cards and PIN details linked to these accounts to withdraw cash and transfer money to other accounts to obscure the money trail.
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Local bank account also under scanner
Police have also traced suspicious foreign transactions to the bank account of a local resident in Siliguri, further strengthening suspicions of cross-border financial links.
Syed Waqar Raza, Commissioner of Police of Siliguri, confirmed that Pakistani numbers were recovered from the seized mobile devices. He said the possibility of funds originating from Pakistan points to a potentially larger conspiracy that requires deeper investigation.
The four accused were arrested on Tuesday evening from a hotel within the jurisdiction of Siliguri Police Station initially in connection with an ATM fraud case. However, the case took a significant turn after the digital evidence suggested possible international links.
Police are now expanding the investigation to determine the full extent of the network, its operational reach, and the possible motive behind the suspected cross-border financial transactions.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
