In a significant crackdown on white-collar crime, the Howrah City Police have arrested a chartered accountant for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated job fraud that duped victims of more than Rs 80 lakh. The accused, identified as Souvik Pakui, was taken into custody on Sunday night by the Domjur police station.
The Arrest and Court Proceedings
The arrest unfolded late on Sunday when police intercepted Pakui as he was returning to his residence in a vehicle fitted with a blue beacon. Following his detention, a non-bailable case was formally registered against him. He was subsequently produced before the Howrah court on Monday, where legal proceedings began.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
According to a senior officer from Howrah City Police, the arrested CA is a resident of Domjur and operates a firm in Andul. His scheme relied heavily on a fabricated aura of authority and government connections.
Pakui would travel in cars adorned with red or blue beacons, a visual symbol typically reserved for high-ranking officials. To further cement his credibility, his vehicle displayed a stamp purportedly from the Central Government's Finance Department. This display earned him unwarranted respect and trust from local residents.
He allegedly exploited this perceived influence by promising jobs in various Central government departments, leveraging what he claimed were his connections with high-ranking officials. Victims were misled for an extended period, with Pakui accepting substantial sums of money under various pretexts.
Public Outrage and Police Intervention
The elaborate scam began to unravel on Sunday when some disillusioned local residents of Domjur confronted Pakui. The situation escalated, leading to an assault on the accused and vandalism of his blue beacon car. Police personnel arrived at the scene, rescued Pakui from the agitated crowd, and took him to the police station.
The arrest was made based on formal complaints filed by the victims. After continuous questioning throughout Sunday, the police formally arrested him that night. Investigations later confirmed that the government stamp on his car was completely fake and his promises of employment were entirely false.
Local Reputation and Fall from Grace
The case has sent shockwaves through the Parui area of Domjur, where Souvik Pakui was once known as a brilliant student. His carefully cultivated image had convinced neighbours and locals that he held a prestigious position within the Central government and moved in circles of wealth and influence. This reputation was the very foundation of his fraudulent activities, enabling him to exploit the aspirations of job seekers.
The Howrah City Police's action highlights a growing trend of fraudsters using symbols of power and authority to deceive the public. The investigation into the full extent of the scam and the recovery of the defrauded money is ongoing.
