Cash seizure probe widens, four arrested in suspected fraud racket

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 20, 2026

Tripura Police have arrested four persons, including a police couple, in connection with an alleged financial fraud racket that came to light after videos showing large amounts of cash went viral on social media.

Police said two separate cases have been registered at Salema Police Station in Dhalai district and West Agartala Police Station. The accused include police personnel and their family members. Authorities have also suspended two police officials to ensure an impartial investigation.

The investigation began after a police official lodged a complaint alleging that a group had collected huge sums of money from people by promising unusually high returns on investments. The complainant claimed to have invested around Rs 65 lakh but did not receive any returns after the maturity period. Allegations of intimidation and threats were also mentioned in the complaint.

The matter gained public attention on May 16 when a video surfaced online showing two women with bundles of cash. Another image later circulated allegedly showing a TSR jawan packing cash into a bag. Following the circulation of the visuals, police launched a probe and conducted raids.

During the operation, police recovered cash from the residence of TSR trooper Ajit Debbarma, who was subsequently suspended. On May 18, police arrested Ajit Debbarma and his wife Menaka Debbarma, a police constable. Both were produced before the court, which granted eight days of police remand.

Officer-in-Charge of Salema Police Station Dipak Das said investigators are questioning the accused and issuing notices to several other persons suspected to be linked to the racket or involved as investors.

In a separate case under West Agartala Police Station, police arrested Sanjana Debbarma and Nandurani Debbarma from Dhalai district. Sanjana is reportedly the wife of a suspended police constable, while Nandurani works as an optometric assistant. Both were produced before the court on Tuesday.

Police officials said the investigation is still at an early stage and efforts are underway to determine the total amount of money involved and identify all those connected to the alleged network.

Sources said Director General of Police Anurag expressed serious concern over the incident and instructed senior officials to conduct a detailed inquiry and take strict action against everyone involved.

Senior officers, including Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper, Deputy Inspector General Rati Ranjan Debnath and Dhalai Superintendent of Police Rushikesh Jaysing Desai, are supervising the investigation.

Police are also examining the source of the seized cash and probing whether the money was generated through fraudulent investment schemes or any other illegal activities.

more news...