Howrah, 20 August (H.S.): The Cyber Police Station of Howrah City Police has detected an alleged cyber fraud involving Rs 50 lakh on the pretext of supplying TMT bars and arrested one accused in connection with the case.

The arrested accused has been identified as 25-year-old Snehasish Manna alias Natro, a resident of Dakshin Mechogram in Panskura, Purba Medinipur.

According to the police, the complainant had contacted a person through a mobile number obtained online. The person allegedly introduced himself as a broker and offered to supply TMT bars. Believing the representation to be genuine, the complainant transferred Rs 50 lakh as advance payment to the bank account provided by him. However, the promised materials were not supplied and the money was also not refunded.

Following the complaint, the Cyber Police Station of Howrah City Police launched an investigation. A team from the Cyber PS, with assistance from Panskura Police Station in Purba Medinipur, conducted a raid and arrested Snehasish Manna.

The police recovered Rs 20.40 lakh in cash, 17 debit cards, one mobile phone containing two SIM cards, three sealed packets of unused Jio SIM cards, four used Jio SIM cards and one original SBI cheque leaf from the accused.

In addition, Rs 25.98 lakh has been placed on hold in the alleged beneficiary bank account pursuant to an order of the competent court.

The police said seven other accused persons had previously been arrested in connection with the case and are currently in judicial custody.

Howrah City Police said it remains committed to detecting cyber crimes, tracing fraudulent funds and bringing those involved in cyber fraud to justice. The police also urged citizens to remain vigilant while making online financial transactions and to verify the credentials of individuals and businesses before transferring money.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey