Patna: Police in Patna district have uncovered an alleged interstate “note-doubling” fraud racket operating from Mokama, arresting two suspected key members and detaining several others for questioning.
The operation was carried out by the Pachmahla police in Rampur-Dumra village under Mokama block, where investigators say the syndicate had built an extensive network spanning Bihar, Jharkhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
According to police officials, the alleged scam revolved around convincing victims that their money could be illegally “doubled” through a secret cash operation. Investigators believe the network targeted people across several states through intermediaries and agents who lured individuals with promises of extraordinary financial returns.
Authorities allege that the syndicate’s mastermind is a resident of Rampur-Dumra village and that members of his family across three generations may have been involved in the operation.
Police said the fraud typically began with a demonstration designed to gain the victim’s trust. Victims were allegedly asked to hand over Rs 1,00,000 and, in return, were temporarily shown or given Rs 2,00,000 in genuine currency as proof that the scheme worked.
Encouraged by the apparent success, victims were then persuaded to invest far larger sums, often by selling personal assets or borrowing money. Investigators allege that once substantial amounts were handed over, the accused would seize the money, assault or threaten the victims and force them out.
Officials said intermediaries working for the syndicate were paid commissions for bringing in new targets.
The investigation began after a complaint was lodged by a man from Jamui district. Following the registration of an FIR at Pachmahla police station, Station House Officer Kundan Kumar launched an inquiry under the supervision of senior officers.
Police said the arrests made on Thursday evening led to further detentions and additional raids at multiple locations linked to the network.
Barh sub-divisional police officer E Ramakrishna confirmed that searches were ongoing but declined to disclose operational details. He said investigators were examining possible interstate links connected to the alleged racket.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the total amount of money believed to have been defrauded through the scheme, and the investigation remains ongoing.
