Itanagar, Jun 22: The Banderdewa Police has arrested a Guwahati-based man in connection with an alleged Rs 34.33-crore investment fraud case involving forged government documents, fake political connections and suspected digital impersonation, including the possible use of AI-generated voice communication, a senior officer said on Monday.
Naharlagun SP Dr Nyelam Nega said the accused, identified as Rishiraj Borkotoky (41) of Guwahati, Assam, was arrested on June 20 following an investigation into a complaint filed by businessman Rajesh Agarwal, who alleged that he was induced to invest huge sums of money in a proposed Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) manufacturing project in Assam.
According to police, Banderdewa Police Station registered a case on June 5 under Sections 112, 316(5), 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), and 341(1)(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The investigation is being carried out by Sub-Inspector Koj Tada under the supervision of senior officers of ICR Naharlagun Police.
Police said the accused allegedly projected himself as a well-connected businessman with access to influential political leaders and senior government officials. To convince the investor, he is alleged to have furnished forged documents purportedly issued by the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India.
Investigation further revealed that the accused allegedly used a fake WhatsApp account displaying the profile picture of the Assam Chief Minister and shared images suggesting close association with prominent political figures. Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of a voice call allegedly made through the account and examining whether artificial intelligence or voice-cloning technology was used.
Trusting the representations, the complainant allegedly transferred Rs 34.33 crore over several transactions beginning in 2022.
Acting on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, police tracked down and apprehended the alleged accused. During the operation, investigators seized five mobile phones along with a Mercedes-Benz GLE 400D luxury SUV worth about Rs 1.5 crore.
The accused was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) at Yupia and remanded to 10 days’ police custody.
The SP said extensive scrutiny of bank transactions, KYC documents, digital communications, screenshots and suspected forged documents has corroborated key elements of the complaint.
“As of now, investigation has also revealed that the alleged proceeds of crime were routed through accounts linked to associates, family members, and business entities. The identities and roles of such persons are presently being examined,” he said.
The electronic devices seized during the arrest are being sent for forensic examination, while verification of the purported government documents has been initiated with the concerned authorities.
“We are also examining whether the voice purportedly attributed to the Hon'ble Chief Minister was Al-generated or created through voice impersonation techniques or otherwise,” Dr Nega said.
The investigation is focused on tracing the complete money trail, identifying all beneficiaries and accomplices, and recovering the alleged proceeds of crime, the SP said, adding that the investigation is continuing.
He urged public to exercise caution before making investments and advised citizens to independently verify claims of government approval, official endorsements or political backing before parting with money. He also appealed to people to immediately report suspicious investment schemes and financial frauds to law enforcement agencies.