Howrah City Police’s Domjur police station arrested a chartered accountant, Souvik Pakui, on Sunday night for allegedly cheating multiple people of more than Rs80 lakh by falsely promising jobs through his supposed connections with senior officials in various Central government departments.
Police apprehended Pakui while he was returning home in a car fitted with a blue beacon, a detail that had long helped him project authority and gain public trust. A non-bailable case has been registered against him, and he was produced before the Howrah court on Monday.
According to police officials, Pakui is a resident of Domjur and owns a firm in Andul. He routinely travelled in vehicles displaying red or blue beacons and carried a stamp claiming affiliation with the Central government’s finance department. Investigations later revealed that the stamp was fake and the claims were entirely fabricated.
Using this false identity, Pakui allegedly collected money from job aspirants under various pretexts, assuring them of placements in government departments. Victims were misled for extended periods before realizing they had been cheated.
Tensions escalated on Sunday when local residents of Domjur confronted Pakui, allegedly assaulting him and vandalising his beacon-fitted car. Police intervened, rescued him from the crowd, and brought him to the police station following multiple complaints from victims. After sustained interrogation, he was formally arrested later that night.
Neighbours described Pakui as a brilliant student from Domjur’s Parui area, widely believed to be holding a senior government position and maintaining links with influential circles. His arrest has shocked the local community and exposed how false authority symbols are being used to commit large-scale fraud.
Police have urged citizens to verify job offers and report anyone demanding money in exchange for employment, especially when claims involve government postings.
