The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended an absconding accused linked to a Rs 60.86 lakh bank fraud case involving Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) after nearly 14 years since the FIR was filed. The accused, known as Manoj Kumar Sinha alias Manoj Sinha, had been evading arrest since the FIR’s registration in 2012 and had not cooperated with the investigation, as per the agency.
The case, initiated on April 16, 2012, was based on a complaint by BSNL against unidentified officials of the State Bank of India (SBI) Main Branch in Shillong, BSNL officials in Shillong, and other unknown individuals. Allegedly, Rs 60.86 lakh was deceitfully withdrawn from a BSNL account at SBI’s M.G. Road branch in Shillong.
Despite an initial chargesheet against one accused in 2013, Sanjeev Kumar Rai, the CBI later filed a supplementary chargesheet in 2021 involving Manoj Kumar Sinha and others. Sinha, who had been evading investigation and was declared an absconder, was finally located in Patna, Bihar, through extensive efforts by the CBI.
The accused was taken into custody by a CBI team in Patna on April 28 and is set to appear before a local court for a transit remand. Subsequently, he will be transported to Shillong for further legal proceedings in front of the Special Judge. This arrest signifies a significant breakthrough in the prolonged case, demonstrating the agency’s dedication to pursuing absconders and ensuring accountability in financial fraud cases concerning public sector entities.
