Cash seizure and viral video expose alleged multi-crore financial fraud racket in Tripura involving suspended police personnel, intimidation of investors, and suspected links to interstate illegal activities and narcotics trafficking.
A viral social media video showing stacks of currency notes has led to the arrest of four individuals, including a couple employed in the police department, in connection with an alleged illegal financial racket operating in Tripura. The case, which has triggered widespread public outrage and intense scrutiny within law enforcement circles, is now being investigated as a possible multi-crore fraud operation with suspected links to interstate illegal financial activities and narcotics trafficking.
The unfolding controversy began after videos and photographs surfaced online showing large quantities of cash allegedly stored inside the residence of a police constable in Dhalai district. The visuals quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking serious concerns about the source of the money and the possible involvement of organised criminal networks.
According to police officials, two separate criminal cases have been registered at Salema Police Station in Dhalai district and West Agartala Police Station following multiple complaints regarding illegal money collection schemes that promised unusually high financial returns to investors.
Investigators said the accused allegedly lured people, including police personnel and local businessmen, into investing large sums of money by assuring lucrative profits and high interest returns within a short period. However, when investors later demanded repayment, they allegedly faced threats, intimidation, and harassment instead of receiving their promised returns.
The first major complaint in the case was reportedly filed by a police official who claimed to have invested nearly Rs 65 lakh in the scheme. The complainant alleged that despite repeated demands, the money was never returned after the agreed period expired. He further accused the alleged operators of threatening and intimidating investors who attempted to recover their funds.
The controversy intensified dramatically on May 16 when a video went viral on social media showing two women engaged in conversation while sitting beside bundles of cash. One of the women’s faces was clearly visible, while another person spoke from behind the camera. The footage immediately generated massive public attention and prompted authorities to initiate a preliminary inquiry.
A day later, another photograph surfaced online allegedly showing a Tripura State Rifles trooper packing currency notes into a bag. The emergence of these visuals increased pressure on the police department to launch immediate action against those involved.
Following the complaints and viral footage, police conducted raids at multiple locations, including the residence of a TSR trooper in Dhalai district. During the operation, investigators reportedly recovered substantial amounts of cash, although authorities have not officially disclosed the exact amount seized during the raids.
Soon after the recovery, TSR trooper Ajit Debbarma was suspended from service. On May 18, police arrested Ajit Debbarma and his wife Menaka Debbarma, who serves as a police constable. Both are originally from Teliamura and were reportedly residing there at the time of their arrest.
Officer-in-Charge of Salema Police Station Dipak Das confirmed that the couple had been produced before a court with a request for 10 days of police custody. The court granted eight days of police remand to facilitate detailed interrogation.
Police officials stated that investigators are now questioning the accused to identify the full scale of the alleged financial racket and uncover the identities of others who may have been involved in collecting investments or managing the flow of funds.
According to investigators, notices have already been issued to several individuals suspected either of participating in the racket or investing money through the alleged illegal scheme. Authorities believe the operation may have extended far beyond a few individuals and could involve a much larger network operating across different districts.
Meanwhile, a separate investigation conducted by West Agartala Police Station led to the arrest of two more women identified as Sanjana Debbarma and Nandurani Debbarma. Police said Sanjana Debbarma is the wife of another police constable who was also suspended after the scandal emerged, while Nandurani Debbarma works as an optometric assistant.
Both women were produced before the court after their arrest as investigators continued to widen the probe.
A preliminary police investigation has reportedly suggested that the accused persons were part of an organised and influential illegal investment syndicate that collected crores of rupees from various investors. Officials suspect the network specifically targeted police personnel and business communities by exploiting trust and offering unrealistic financial returns.
An internal police report reportedly stated that the accused allegedly used intimidation tactics whenever investors demanded repayment. Authorities believe the network may have maintained a clandestine structure involving several associates who helped threaten victims and manage financial transactions.
Investigators are also examining whether money collected from investors was diverted into other unlawful activities. Police suspect the operation may have links to interstate criminal networks dealing in illegal financial transactions and narcotics-related activities.
Officials said investigators are attempting to trace the origin of the funds and determine whether proceeds from illegal drug trafficking were circulated through the alleged investment racket.
The possibility of narcotics-related involvement has significantly escalated the seriousness of the case. Authorities suspect that part of the money may have originated from illegal drug operations involving contraband smuggled into Tripura from outside the state.
The scandal has sent shockwaves across Tripura, particularly because of the alleged involvement of serving police personnel. The incident has raised concerns regarding internal accountability and misuse of official influence within the law enforcement system.
Top police officials reportedly reacted strongly after the viral videos surfaced online. Director General of Police Anurag is said to have expressed serious dissatisfaction over the incident and directed senior officers to immediately intensify the investigation.
Following those instructions, senior officials including Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath, and Dhalai district Superintendent of Police Rushikesh Jaysing Desai launched an extensive probe into the matter.
Officials confirmed that around 15 individuals have either been detained or questioned so far in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Sources close to the investigation claimed that nearly Rs 5 crore worth of cash transactions have come under scrutiny during the probe, though authorities are yet to officially confirm the figure.
During interrogation sessions, the accused reportedly made multiple allegations and counter-allegations against each other, complicating the investigation further. Police are now cross-checking statements and verifying financial records to establish the exact structure of the alleged racket.
Another complaint was also lodged by police constable Rupak Saha, who accused the suspects of engaging in illegal and clandestine financial dealings.
Despite multiple searches and raids, investigators reportedly have not yet recovered any cash from the residence of one of the women accused in the case. Authorities, however, believe that additional evidence may emerge as the investigation progresses.
Chief Minister Manik Saha said that he personally directed officials to take immediate action after watching the viral social media footage.
Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister asserted that the government would not shield anyone involved in criminal activities and stressed that the law would take its own course irrespective of position or influence.
| Also Read: Tripura Police Cash Scandal Triggers Massive Fraud Investigation |
Police officials have indicated that the investigation remains at a sensitive stage, with authorities attempting to uncover whether the racket operated independently or functioned as part of a larger organised interstate network.
As the probe deepens, investigators are expected to examine bank records, digital transactions, property details, and communication histories connected to the accused and their associates. Authorities are also trying to identify additional victims who may have invested money in the alleged scheme.
| Also Read: THRC Demands DGP Report Over Allegations Against SP Officer |
The case has now emerged as one of the most sensational financial crime investigations in Tripura in recent years, combining allegations of fraud, abuse of influence, intimidation, and possible links to narcotics trafficking. Public attention remains firmly fixed on the ongoing investigation as police continue efforts to expose the full extent of the alleged racket.
