Raids from Siliguri to Durgapur: Agencies Crack Down on Alleged Illegal Call-Centre Network

Investigative agencies in West Bengal have intensified operations against an alleged illegal call-centre network following the announcement of the state’s Assembly election schedule. Simultaneous raids were conducted across multiple cities, including Siliguri, Howrah, Bidhannagar, and Durgapur, targeting nearly ten premises linked to the suspected network.

Allegations Against the Call-Centre Network

Authorities allege that the call centres duped individuals through deceptive phone calls, with personnel posing as representatives of institutions, financial organisations, or service providers. Victims were reportedly persuaded to share money, banking details, or other sensitive personal information.

During the raids, agencies searched premises connected to Surashree Kar, Samrat Ghosh, and Subhajit Chakraborty, among others. Recovered documents, computers, hard drives, and mobile devices are now under examination to map the operations, financial transactions, and participants in the network.

Investigation Focus and Scope

Officials are examining whether the call-centre operations were linked to other illegal financial activities. While there is no confirmed connection to political funding, the probe is being carried out alongside broader monitoring of financial transactions in the state, especially in light of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Investigators are scrutinising digital trails, bank records, and online payment transactions to determine the scale of operations and possible links outside West Bengal, including overseas connections.

Understanding Call-Centre Fraud Structures

Experts note that such networks often operate through layered structures, including:

• Callers – Contacting victims directly
• Technical personnel – Managing systems and databases
• Intermediaries – Handling fund transfers
• Coordinators – Overseeing overall operations

Identifying the role of each participant is critical for dismantling the network and preventing further fraud.

Election Context

The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled in two phases: April 23 and April 29, with vote counting on May 4, coinciding with results for Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Authorities emphasise that monitoring fraudulent financial operations is a priority during the election period to prevent illegal money flows and scams.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to analyse seized evidence and expand questioning as needed. Further updates are expected as the probe progresses.