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Kolkata: The West Bengal Police on Saturday arrested two more people and registered 27 FIRs in connection with the tablet scheme scam. A senior police officer gave this information. Of the 16 lakh public school students in West Bengal, 1,911 students have become victims of cyber fraud related to the state government’s ‘Taruner Swapno’ scheme. “We have registered 120 cases and arrested 13 more people for their alleged involvement in the case,” the officer said. The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case and identify those who cheated the students.
What is tablet scam?
Actually, under this scheme, students of classes 10 and 12 are given Rs 10,000 to buy a tablet. Government funds sent to students’ bank accounts were diverted elsewhere. So far, 93 cases of this scam have been registered and 11 people have been arrested in connection with the fraudulent activities. Of the 16 lakh students of classes 10th and 12th, 1,911 students have been cheated.” According to the government, the fraud was committed by cybercriminals operating from several states including Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
Interstate gang involvement
He said: “The investigation has turned up evidence suggesting the involvement of interstate gangs. Some of the arrested suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in these operations and documents seized during the raids. “Their involvement in previous cyber scams has been confirmed. including misappropriation of funds from other Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes and the National Scholarship Portal.”
Whatever needs to be done-Mamata
The state government had sent Rs 10,000 to the bank account of every higher secondary student studying in government schools to buy a tablet or a mobile phone, but due to alleged irregularities, many of them did not receive the amount. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “SIT has been formed.” Our administration is very strong. Whatever is necessary will be done. The group involved in this case is from Maharashtra and Rajasthan. These groups exist in almost every other state.” He said the government has started giving money to all those who have not received it.
