Deputy branch manager of private bank arrested in connection with ₹91 lakh cyber fraud case in Siliguri

Siliguri, 31st October: Pradhan Nagar Police have arrested a deputy branch manager of a private bank in connection with a cyber fraud case involving more than ₹91 lakh. The accused, Anirban Sikdar (36), was arrested from the bank’s office on Burdwan Road on Friday evening. He is accused of playing a key role in opening a bank account in a young woman’s name using a fake address and facilitating transactions involving the proceeds of the alleged fraud.

According to police sources, investigators obtained crucial information while questioning the previously arrested accused, Manisha Mandal (19), during her police remand. Based on the information, police began investigating the bank official’s alleged role.

The investigation reportedly revealed that the deputy branch manager had opened a bank account in Manisha’s name using a fake address in Samar Nagar, allegedly at the request of a third person and without carrying out the required verification. Just one day after the account was opened, ₹91,21,808 allegedly linked to cyber fraud was transferred into it. The money was subsequently withdrawn, and the account was closed.

At the time the account was opened, the accused was reportedly working at the bank’s Sevoke Road branch. Following his promotion, he was posted as deputy branch manager at the main branch in the Golden Plaza building on Burdwan Road.

Police have registered a case over the alleged fraudulent opening of the bank account and the accused’s suspected involvement in the cyber fraud network. Police are expected to seek his remand from the court for further questioning.

Pradhan Nagar Police had earlier arrested Manisha Mandal on 26th October under Operation Cyber Prahar. The case involves allegations that people were blackmailed through video calls on social media and forced to transfer money.

The investigation began following a complaint lodged on the National Cyber Crime Portal in September. Police are continuing to trace the transactions involving the alleged proceeds of the fraud and identify other people suspected of being part of the network.