Tripura Chit Fund Scam: CBI Arrests Absconding Accused

The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Sanjit Chakraborty, a key accused in two major Tripura chit fund scam cases, from Kolkata after he allegedly evaded arrest for over 13 years. The accused reportedly cheated investors of crores through fraudulent deposit schemes linked to a Kolkata-based company.

Quick Glance

Sanjit Chakraborty arrested in Kolkata after years on the run
CBI charge sheets linked him to scams involving over Rs 7.75 crore
The cases originated in Tripura in 2013 before the CBI took over the investigation
Tripura High Court earlier directed authorities to frame a refund mechanism for victims

CBI Nabs Long-Absconding Accused in Tripura Scam Case

Agartala/Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation achieved a major breakthrough in the long-running Tripura chit fund scam investigation by arresting an absconding accused from Kolkata. Officials confirmed that the accused, Sanjit Chakraborty, had remained out of reach since 2013.

Investigators identified Chakraborty as the Chairman and Managing Director of M/s Cosmic Negociators Pvt. Ltd., a Kolkata-based company accused of running fraudulent investment operations. According to the agency, he allegedly played a central role in mobilizing public deposits through illegal financial schemes.

The arrest took place in Kolkata on May 12 after months of renewed surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Investigation Began in Tripura

The case first surfaced when the Tripura Police registered FIRs against several chit fund operators in 2013. The complaints alleged that multiple companies collected money from people by promising unusually high returns.

Later, the investigation moved to the CBI after notifications from both the Tripura government and the Centre under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

Officials said the agency filed two separate charge sheets against Chakraborty and others.

Fraud Cases Involved Crores of Rupees

The first charge sheet came in 2015. Investigators accused the company and its associates of cheating investors of nearly Rs 7.48 crore.

The second charge sheet was filed in 2024. In that case, the accused allegedly siphoned off around Rs 27.13 lakh from investors.

The CBI stated that Chakraborty remained an absconding accused in both cases for years.

Case Details	Amount Allegedly Cheated	Year of Charge Sheet
First Chit Fund Case	Rs 7.48 crore	2015
Second Chit Fund Case	Rs 27.13 lakh	2024

How the CBI Tracked the Accused

Officials revealed that investigators intensified efforts in recent months. Teams carried out field verification, technical monitoring, and physical surveillance across multiple locations.

The agency eventually traced Chakraborty to Kolkata. Based on intelligence inputs and movement analysis, officers conducted the operation and arrested him successfully.

The CBI now plans to bring the accused to Tripura after securing transit remand from a Kolkata court.

Officials also indicated that further investigation remains underway. More arrests or legal actions may follow as investigators examine financial links and transaction records connected to the scam.

Chit Fund Scams Shook Tripura for Years

The chit fund scam cases created widespread panic across Tripura over the last decade. Several unauthorized companies allegedly operated Ponzi-style investment schemes across the northeastern state.

Thousands of people reportedly invested their savings after agents promised quick returns and attractive financial benefits. However, many companies later collapsed, leaving depositors without refunds.

The scams affected families from urban and rural areas alike. Many victims reportedly lost lifelong savings, retirement funds, and borrowed money invested in the schemes.

The issue also triggered political reactions and public protests in different parts of Tripura. Opposition parties and social organizations repeatedly demanded strict action against the operators.

Investigators earlier arrested several accused from different states, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra in connection with related cases.

Tripura High Court Ordered Refund Mechanism

In 2024, the Tripura High Court directed authorities to formulate a proper mechanism for refunding money to affected investors.

The court order raised hopes among thousands of victims awaiting compensation for years. However, legal and financial hurdles continue to delay the recovery process.

Experts believe the latest arrest could strengthen the ongoing investigation and help agencies trace additional financial assets linked to the accused persons.

News Analysis

The arrest of Sanjit Chakraborty marks a significant development in one of Tripura’s most controversial financial fraud investigations. The case highlights how illegal chit fund operations expanded rapidly in northeastern states by exploiting weak financial awareness and promising unrealistic returns.

The latest arrest also reflects the CBI’s continued focus on unresolved economic offences. Since the accused reportedly remained underground for over a decade, investigators likely relied heavily on modern surveillance methods and financial tracking.

The issue remains politically and socially sensitive in Tripura because thousands of small investors suffered losses. The progress of the refund mechanism ordered by the High Court may now come under greater public scrutiny.