CBI Arrests Absconding Accused Debabrata Dutta in ₹17.22 Crore Chit-Fund Scam Case
Siliguri, West Bengal | 30 August 2026
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Debabrata Dutta, an absconding accused in a chit-fund scam case involving the alleged misappropriation of more than ₹17.22 crore collected from depositors. The accused was traced and arrested in Siliguri, West Bengal, on 28 August 2026, following efforts by the investigating agency to locate him.
According to the CBI, Dutta, who was the proprietor of M/s DNB Food Processing Pvt. Ltd. at the time of the alleged offence, was involved in a criminal conspiracy with other individuals to misappropriate funds collected from depositors. The amount involved in the case is reported to be ₹17,22,39,453.
The case relates to money allegedly collected from members of the public who had deposited their savings with the expectation that their funds would be handled legitimately. The alleged financial wrongdoing raised concerns about the protection of depositors and the accountability of those entrusted with their money.
Accused Had Been Absconding During Investigation
The CBI stated that Dutta had been absconding and was not cooperating with the investigation. He was declared an absconder in the chargesheet filed on 26 December 2022 in case number RC 10(S)/2014-Kol.
The case involves alleged offences under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978. These laws address criminal conduct and prohibited money-circulation schemes, depending on the facts and circumstances of a case.
A Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) was issued against Dutta on 5 August 2024. Despite the legal action taken earlier, he remained unavailable to the investigating agency until the latest breakthrough.
CBI Traces and Arrests the Accused in Siliguri
According to the official press release, the CBI traced Dutta on the basis of specific source information. Acting on the information received, the agency located and arrested him in Siliguri, West Bengal, on 28 August 2026.
The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, particularly as the accused had allegedly remained absconding for an extended period. The CBI is now bringing him on transit remand, as stated in the press release, for further legal proceedings.
The arrest is expected to assist the agency in taking the case forward and pursuing the next stages of the investigation in accordance with the law.
Focus on Accountability in Financial Fraud Cases
Chit-fund and illegal money-circulation cases can have serious consequences for ordinary citizens, especially when people invest their hard-earned savings based on promises or representations they believe to be trustworthy. When funds are allegedly misappropriated, depositors may face financial hardship and uncertainty about recovering their money.
The CBI’s action highlights the importance of investigating alleged financial fraud, tracing absconding accused persons and ensuring that cases proceed through the appropriate legal process. Further proceedings will determine the legal responsibility of the accused and other persons, if any, connected with the case.
The allegations against Debabrata Dutta remain subject to judicial determination. His arrest does not by itself establish guilt, which must be decided by the competent court on the basis of the evidence and applicable law.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release dated 30 August 2026.
