The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet on Thursday in the ongoing ‘Dibrugarh Investment Scam Case’ against four accused: Bishal Phukan, Abhijit Chanda, Sumi Bora, and Tapon alias Tarkik Bora. The chargesheet was submitted before the Special CBI Court in Guwahati within the mandated 90-day period following the arrests.
Case Background
The case, part of the Assam Investment Scam investigations taken over by the CBI at the request of the Assam government, was originally registered at Dibrugarh Police Station on September 2. It alleged that Bishal Phukan and his associates engaged in a large-scale financial fraud by soliciting funds from investors under false pretenses.
Phukan reportedly induced individuals to enter notarized agreements promising high returns, diverting the money into his Demat account in violation of RBI and SEBI guidelines. These funds were misused for personal luxury, leaving investors defrauded.
CBI’s Findings
According to the CBI, the accused orchestrated an illegal deposit scheme, using fraudulent documents and fabricated investment reports to lure investors with promises of a 30% guaranteed return.
“Investigation has established that the accused were involved in orchestrating an illegal deposit scheme that solicited funds from investors under false pretenses. They cheated the investors and misappropriated the deposits for their personal gains,” stated an official release.
Judicial Actions
The Special Judge for CBI Cases in Guwahati rejected the bail application of accused Sumi Bora on November 19. She remains in judicial custody as further investigations continue.
In addition to this case, the CBI has been investigating 41 similar cases across Assam involving irregular deposit schemes. On November 18, the agency filed another chargesheet against Monalisa Das in a related scam.
Progress in Investigations
Since taking charge, the CBI has expedited its probe, conducting fresh searches across 93 locations in five states and UTs. These searches have led to the recovery of crucial evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, and hard drives.
In one instance, the agency apprehended Gopal Paul, the primary accused in another investment scam linked to AJRS Marketing Pvt. Ltd., from a hideout in Siliguri. Paul had been evading arrest since the filing of the FIR.
Victim Impact
Reports suggest that since 2018, the accused have collected significant sums from investors, offering false guarantees of high returns. Depositors were provided with notarized documents on ₹100 stamp papers as proof of transactions. However, many investors have reported irregular or failed payments in recent months, exposing the fraudulent scheme.
Ongoing Investigations
CBI investigations are ongoing across multiple cases to ensure accountability and recover funds for defrauded investors.