Student duped of Rs 36,000 after being promised of loan

Kolkata: A student from Sonarpur in South 24-Parganas was allegedly duped by some persons who promised him loan at a minimal interest rate.

The victim had approached the alleged cheaters after they posted an advertisement on a social media channel regarding the same. According to sources, Arpan Debnath, a resident of Malirbagan at Sonarpur is a post-grad student. Recently, he had seen an advertisement on a social media channel reading that an organisation offers loan at a very low rate of interest.

The advertisement read — any unemployed person will be granted loan and no Income Tax return needs to be filed.

To avail loan, Debnath contacted the organisation through the social media channel where the advertisement was posted. After a while, a person claiming to be Alok Das assured him through a message that he would get the mentioned loan amount soon.

On January 2, a person claiming to be Subhajit Das went to Debnath and collected necessary documents such as photocopy of his Voter ID card, Aadhar Card, Pan Card and a blank cheque. On the very next day, i.e January 3, Debnath's specimen signature was

also collected. On January 4, Debnath was asked to visit a person in Hazra from where he was taken to a bank for necessary documentation.

A few hours after his visit, Debnath received a text message saying Rs 36,000 had been withdrawn from his account.

Later, when he tried to get in touch with the organisation through the social media channel, he failed to get response.

On January 7, he lodged a complaint at Sonarpur police station. Later, the Cyber Crime section of West Bengal Police at Bhavani Bhavan was also informed. According to sources, police have identified the account where the money was transferred. The sleuths are checking with the account holder and his connection.