SITs formed as Assam police intensifies crackdown on illegal online trading

Guwahati/Dibrugarh: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Assam's illegal online trading scam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that the state government would recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe if necessary.

The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the scale and complexity of the scam, which has resulted in substantial financial losses for numerous investors. Despite the arrest of 59 individuals and the formation of 14 Special Investigation Teams (SITs), several key players including choreographer Sumi Bora and her husband Tarkik Bora remain at large.

"The Assam Police has established dedicated SITs to monitor the cases. The Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax have been involved, and at the district level, the district police and CID are handling the investigations," he said.

Responding to questions about the evasion of some accused, the Chief Minister assured that "no one can evade the police for long."

Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh provided updates on the ongoing police operations. He revealed that unregulated deposit schemes had been targeted in 14 districts, leading to the registration of 28 cases and the arrest of 59 individuals.

"For those who have not cooperated with the investigation despite notices, 22 Look Out Circulars (LOCs) have been issued," Singh said.

"The cases have been registered under the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act 2019 and relevant sections of the BNS," he added.

To ensure thorough investigations, 14 SITs have been formed under the supervision of the Assam CID. Additionally, a case registered against a prime accused in Dibrugarh has been transferred to the CID for in-depth probe.

The DGP also announced disciplinary action against two police personnel found to be involved in the unregulated deposit schemes. Lance Naik Saroj Deka was dismissed from service, while Inspector Jitumoni Deka was suspended.

In a related development, the key accused and mastermind behind the multi-million online investment trading fraud, Bishal Phukan, was sent to judicial custody on Saturday. He was produced in court after a three-day police remand. The next hearing for Phukan's case is scheduled for September 18.

Phukan is accused of duping hundreds of people by promising attractive returns through stock market investments. He is believed to have amassed crores of rupees from investors before his fraudulent activities were exposed.

The Dibrugarh police have seized four luxury cars – a Fortuner, an MG Hector, a KIA Seltos, and an MG Astor – in connection with the case. Phukan was arrested under various sections of the law, including the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Scheme Act, 2019.