The CBI apprehended Shyamal Barman, a Proclaimed Offender, in connection with the post-poll violence case involving the murder of Manik Maitra in Siliguri, West Bengal. Barman had been evading investigation and trial since the FIR registration, leading to a cash reward of Rs 50,000 being announced for his capture. Following the arrest, Barman was presented before the Competent Court in Siliguri and subsequently placed in judicial custody.
In response to a Calcutta High Court directive from August 27, 2021, the CBI initiated the case by taking over FIR No. 104/2021 dated May 5, 2021, from Sitalkuchi Police Station in Cooch Behar. The investigation resulted in a charge sheet filed on September 27, 2021, against six individuals, with supplementary charge sheets submitted on April 26, 2022, and August 11, 2022, involving 18 additional accused persons. Due to Barman’s evasion, he was declared a Proclaimed Offender by the ACJM, Mathabhanga, Cooch Behar.
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the CBI conducted searches at eight locations and seized crucial documents related to three companies implicated in a collective loan fraud of Rs 191 crore with Punjab National Bank. The searches targeted Tantia Construction, Brahm Alloys, and Amrit Feeds, each involved in separate cases of defrauding PNB. Tantia Construction allegedly diverted funds through fraudulent means, Brahm Alloys defrauded PNB in a Cash Credit facility, and incriminating documents were seized from the residential premises of Amrit Feeds’ Directors in connection with a loan fraud case.
