Guwahati, Nov 15: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its investigation of 41 cases in Assam concerning various unregulated deposit schemes related to deceiving investors.
The apex investigation agency has, since taking over the cases following a recommendation by the Assam government last month, conducted search operations in 92 locations across five states.
“In one particular case, involving AJRS Marketing Pvt. Ltd., CBI has apprehended Gopal Paul, the prime accused, who had been evading authorities since the registration of the FIR,” a statement issued by the CBI’s information section said on Friday.
Paul was located at a hideout in Siliguri, where incriminating evidence was also recovered. He was subsequently produced before the Court of the Special Judge (CBI Cases), which has granted CBI his custody for interrogation and further investigation.
“Since taking charge, CBI has accelerated its probe, conducting fresh searches across 92 locations in five states. These searches have led to the seizure of 24 mobile phones,18 desktops, seven hard drives and 11 laptops,” the statement said.
During the investigation, CBI has successfully traced databases containing details of depositors who were deceived into investing in these unregulated deposit schemes.
“CBI remains committed to uncovering the full extent of these fraudulent activities and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Investigation is continuing,” the statement said.
Last month, the Assam government had requested the Centre to formally hand over all the 41 registered cases to the CBI in order to ensure a fair investigation of the online stock trading scam in the state.
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said the CBI would officially take over the investigation of the cases, and that the state government would extend all possible support to ensure justice was served at the earliest.
