Fake PM Wi-Fi Scheme Busted in Kolkata; Six Arrested in Alleged Multi-Crore Fraud

The accused allegedly posed as government representatives and collected money from unsuspecting individuals by offering benefits under the purported scheme. During the raid, police seized several mobile phones, laptops and a large database containing customer information.

Investigators suspect that the operation defrauded victims of crores of rupees. A detailed investigation is underway to determine the total amount involved, identify other members of the alleged racket and trace the money collected.

Victims Lured With Promise of Lifetime Internet Access

According to a senior police officer, the operators claimed that the government had introduced a new Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Yojana offering internet access across the country for life.

Prospective customers were allegedly told that they could avail themselves of the service by paying a relatively small initial instalment. The offer reportedly convinced several people to make payments.

Preliminary findings indicate that victims were contacted from different parts of the country, with a significant number reportedly based in Kolkata.

Police said the accused used telephone calls to introduce themselves as government representatives and explain the supposed benefits of the scheme. They allegedly followed a prepared script to persuade people to transfer money.

Call Centre Manager Among Six Arrested

Acting on confidential information, Kolkata Police detectives raided the alleged call centre at Government Place (East) in the Dalhousie area on Wednesday. Six people, including five women, were arrested.

Krishnendu Saha, identified as the call centre manager, is among those taken into custody.

During the search, investigators recovered electronic devices, a substantial customer database and a written script allegedly used by the telecallers to convince prospective victims.

Police Examine Records to Identify More Victims

The arrested individuals are being questioned to establish how the operation functioned, the number of people allegedly cheated and whether additional individuals or organisations were involved.

Investigators are also examining the seized devices and customer records to identify more victims and trace the financial transactions linked to the alleged fraud.

The investigation is ongoing, and the full scale of the operation is yet to be established.