CBI Nabs Key Suspect in Rs 4 Crore PNB Fraud After 12-Year Chase
The Central Bureau of Investigation has finally caught Jitendra Kumar. He is a key suspect in a multi-crore bank fraud case. This arrest ends a dramatic manhunt that lasted for twelve long years.
Kumar managed to evade law enforcement for over a decade. He was linked to a scheme that defrauded the Punjab National Bank's Jor Bagh branch in Delhi. The fraud happened back in 2013.
The Breakthrough Operation
The breakthrough came on January 15th. Investigators planned the operation meticulously. They tracked Kumar's movements through various government databases. They also used human intelligence networks.
This effort eventually pinpointed his location in Meerut. That is where authorities took him into custody. The CBI had declared him a proclaimed offender in June 2014.
Details of the 2013 Fraud Case
The case dates back to July 11, 2013. On that day, the CBI registered an FIR. It named Sanjiv Dixit, the proprietor of M/s Shankar Metals. It also named Sanjay Sharma of M/s Super Machines and other accomplices.
These individuals faced accusations of orchestrating a criminal conspiracy. Their goal was to dishonestly secure a cash credit facility. The total amount involved was Rs 4 crore.
According to the investigation, the syndicate used forged property documents. They used these papers to secure the credit. After getting the funds, they diverted the money away from their sanctioned business purposes.
Kumar's Critical Role in the Deception
Jitendra Kumar played a critical layer in this deception. He was an employee of Sanjiv Dixit. Evidence revealed a clever impersonation scheme.
Kumar impersonated the guarantor, Sanjay Sharma. He did this by affixing his own photograph to the loan documentation. He also attached his photo to a forged sale deed for a property in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Furthermore, Kumar operated a bank account under M/s Rajdhani Traders. This account was at Canara Bank in Karkardooma. It served as a primary conduit for siphoning off the diverted loan proceeds.
The Long Fugitive Status and Arrest
After discovering his involvement, authorities issued a non-bailable warrant against Kumar in December 2013. However, he vanished shortly after that. This led to his official status as a fugitive.
Following his recent arrest in Meerut, the CBI produced Kumar before a court. The court granted the CBI three days of police custody. This allows for further interrogation and investigation.
This arrest marks a significant victory for the CBI. It closes a chapter on a complex financial crime that has lingered for over a decade. The meticulous tracking operation finally brought a long-sought suspect to justice.
