Murshidabad, October 13, 2026: A man who allegedly impersonated a senior Indian Army officer and collected money by promising defence jobs has been arrested in a joint operation by Nabagram police and the Kolkata Army Intelligence unit in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
The accused, identified as Tarun Das, a resident of Sagardighi, was apprehended late on Sunday night (October 11) in the Nabagram police station area. He was produced before the Lalbagh Sub-Divisional Court on Monday, where police sought 10 days of custody for further investigation into the alleged racket and any possible associates.
According to police and Army Intelligence sources, Das routinely posed as a Lieutenant Colonel from Para Special Forces of the Indian Army and a senior officer of the Military Intelligence wing.
He moved around different localities wearing a full Army uniform, carried fake identity cards and forged documents, and travelled in a white four-wheeler fitted with “Government of India” stickers on the front and rear. Investigators said he used the high-ranking persona, along with walkie-talkies and other equipment, to intimidate people and gain their trust before promising them jobs in the armed forces in return for large sums of money.
During the search, authorities recovered the vehicle bearing the government sticker, three walkie-talkies, several mobile phones, fake identity cards, suspicious documents, cash and other materials allegedly used in the fraud. Neighbours were reportedly unaware of his real identity, and police are still verifying his age, occupation and background.
Army Intelligence had placed Das under surveillance for several days after receiving inputs about his suspicious movements. The coordinated night operation led to his arrest. Officials said the probe will examine the scale of the alleged job scam, the number of victims, the total money collected and whether others were involved in the network.
The recovery of communication devices and counterfeit official paraphernalia has also prompted scrutiny of possible security implications.
The investigation is ongoing. Further details are expected once interrogation during police custody is completed.
