PANAJI
A fresh case that has exposed glaring loopholes in tenant verification, Dipankar Barman, accused of orchestrating a massive Rs 7,000 crore scam across Assam and other states, was ‘holidaying’ undetected in Goa until his arrest on Sunday.
The fraudster was hopping between guest houses and small hotels across the coastal belts of North and South, pretending to be a tourist, for about three months.
The fugitive’s arrest came after the Assam police, pursuing him since August, received another tip-off about his location. Earlier, the Assam police conducted a futile search for him in Goa.
“He was hiding in Goa for around 3 months. Goa Police were searching for him alongside Assam police. He is arrested with the recovery of Rs 27 lakh cash and other articles,” a message by the PRO Goa Police stated.
Now the question: While the Crime Branch played a supporting role in arresting the accused “ ultimately recovering Rs 27 lakh in cash and other items linked to his fraudulent operations “ was his verification not carried out by the accommodation facilities?
“Who keeps a record, especially in these coastal areas?” one of the officers, who was a part of the raiding team, told The Goan. “If anyone moves from one guest house or any hotel/lodges, etc to another repeatedly in short span, it should raise red flags.”
Sources revealed that Barman’s last hideout, a guest house in Querim, was booked online. In fact, all his accommodation facilities were booked online.
DB Stock Broking, which Barman is said to have headed, had allegedly lured investors with the promise of huge returns within a short time by investing in the stock market. He disappeared in August after failing to return the investments.
“Finally, Dipankar Barman arrested in Goa. The run ends. Congratulations team Guwahati Police,” Assam DGP GP Singh posted on X, after the Sunday development.
PANAJI: Barman’s arrest has raised recurring concerns over the State’s reputation as a refuge for those evading the law.
