New Delhi/Kolkata: After eight years on the run, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Biranchi Narayan Das, a fugitive wanted in a Rs11.79 crore scam related to the 2016 demonetisation drive.
CBI officials confirmed on Thursday that Das was tracked down and apprehended in Kolkata using advanced technological tools, ending his prolonged evasion of justice.
The case dates back to January 1, 2017, when the CBI registered a First Information Report (FIR) following suspicions of large-scale fraudulent transactions involving demonetised currency.
The probe revealed that Das had operated under a false identity, using fictitious bank accounts to carry out illegal exchanges of the scrapped currency. This resulted in a loss of over Rs11.79 crore to the government.
Officials stated that Das played a central role in laundering old notes during the chaotic aftermath of India’s demonetisation policy, exploiting loopholes and evading detection for years.
His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the long-drawn investigation into post-demonetisation financial frauds, many of which involved shell accounts and identity fraud.
Further investigation is ongoing to identify possible accomplices and trace the laundered funds.
