Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: The investigation into the recovery of large cash from the residence of a TSR trooper in Tripura’s Dhalai district has intensified, with police arresting four persons, including a couple serving in the police department, in connection with an alleged financial fraud racket.
Police sources said two separate cases have been registered at Salema Police Station in Dhalai district and West Agartala Police Station. Authorities have also suspended two police personnel to ensure an impartial investigation.
The controversy surfaced after a police official lodged a complaint alleging that a group had been collecting large sums of money from people by promising unusually high returns on investments.
However, investors allegedly failed to receive payments after the promised period ended.
The complainant claimed to have invested nearly Rs 65 lakh and also alleged intimidation by the accused.
The case gained public attention after videos and photographs showing bundles of cash went viral on social media earlier this month. One clip reportedly showed two women sitting with piles of currency notes, while another image showed a TSR jawan packing cash into bags.
Following the viral posts, police launched a probe and conducted raids, leading to the seizure of cash from the residence of TSR trooper Ajit Debbarma.
Ajit Debbarma and his wife, Menaka Debbarma, a police constable, were arrested on May 18. Police sought a 10-day remand, but the court granted eight days for interrogation, Salema Police Station OC Dipak Das said.
Investigators have also begun issuing notices to individuals suspected of investing in the scheme or assisting the alleged network.
In a separate development, West Agartala Police arrested Sanjana Debbarma and Nandurani Debbarma from Dhalai district.
Sanjana is reportedly the wife of another suspended police constable, while Nandurani works as an optometric assistant. Both were produced before the court on Tuesday.
Police officials said the exact amount collected through the alleged racket is yet to be determined, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are also examining whether the seized money is linked to other illegal activities, including narcotics trafficking.
Senior police officers, including Inspector General (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, DIG (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath, and Dhalai SP Rushikesh Jaysing Desai, are supervising the probe following directions from Director General of Police Anurag.