The sensational viral cash video case in Tripura took a new turn on Tuesday as police arrested two more women and suspended three security personnel for their alleged involvement in an organized illegal financial racket operating in the state.
With the latest arrests, the total number of persons arrested in the case has risen to four. Those arrested include police personnel, a Health Department employee and the wife of a police constable. Police said the accused are being interrogated at West Agartala, Ambassa and NCC police stations.
According to police sources, the controversy erupted after a video showing bundles of Rs 500, Rs 2,000 and Rs 100 currency notes inside the residence of police constable Piyush Debbarma at Tatapani village under Salema police station in Dhalai district went viral on social media.
The newly arrested accused has been identified as Sanjana Debbarma, an employee of the Health Department, and Nandarani Debbarma, wife of police constable Piyush Debbarma. Earlier, police had arrested TSR jawan Ajit Debbarma of the 4th Battalion and his wife Menaka Debbarma, a woman police constable posted at East Agartala Women Police Station.
Police produced the accused before a local court, which remanded them to police custody for detailed interrogation.
Meanwhile, authorities suspended a TSR jawan and two police personnel, including a woman constable, in connection with the case.
According to an official police report, preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused were allegedly part of a large and influential illegal investment racket that collected crores of rupees from businessmen and several individuals, particularly police personnel, by promising unusually high returns and profits.
Police alleged that when investors demanded the return of their money, the accused resorted to intimidation, threats and even death threats through a clandestine network.
Investigators suspect the racket may have interstate links involving illegal financial transactions and drug trafficking activities. Sources said nearly Rs 50 crore has come under the scanner during the investigation.
A complaint was also lodged by police constable Rupak Saha against the accused over alleged illegal financial dealings.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday said that he had directed officials to take strict action immediately after the viral video surfaced on social media.
“We never hide or protect anyone accused of a crime. Law will take its own course,” the Chief Minister told media persons.
Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over the incident and instructed senior officers to launch an intensive investigation.
Acting on the directions of the police headquarters, senior officers including Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, DIG (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath and Dhalai Superintendent of Police Rushikesh Jaysing Desai initiated raids and interrogations in multiple locations.
Police said around 16 persons have so far been detained or questioned in connection with the case.
On Monday evening, SDPO Kamalpur Samudra Debbarma said police registered a specific case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 318(4), 61(2)(A), 351(3), 356(2) and 3(5).
Following a hearing, the Sub-Divisional Court in Kamalpur sent Ajit Debbarma and Menaka Debbarma to seven days’ police custody for interrogation.
Investigators said that during questioning, Sanjana Debbarma allegedly claimed that Nandarani Debbarma had cheated her of nearly Rs 4 crore. Police believe more individuals may be involved in the racket.
Meanwhile, Nandarani Debbarma filed a complaint at Salema police station claiming she herself became a victim after the cash video went viral. She reportedly told investigators that the money shown in the video came from the sale of land and denied involvement in any illegal business.
Police are continuing their investigation to ascertain the exact source of the money and whether it is linked to fraud, narcotics trade or other organized criminal activities.