Probe into Bengal tablet fraud widens: 1,911 students affected; 93 FIRs, 11 arrests

Students from at least 15 districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, have been affected.

Earlier, the Kolkata and Malda police set up Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe the matter.

THE WEST Bengal Police have registered 93 FIRs and arrested 11 people in connection with an alleged tablet fund diversion fraud in which money meant for tablets for school students was fraudulently transferred by hacking into the state education department’s portal, officers said on Friday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday said her administration is “strong, rough and tough” and would not tolerate such “scams”, adding that the TMC government has formed a special team to probe the issue.

Till date, at least 1,911 students – intended beneficiaries of the state government’s Taruner Swapna scheme – from across the state have alleged that they have not received money (Rs 10,000) for buying tablets, police added. The West Bengal Police on Friday formed a Joint Investigation Monitoring Team comprising at least two ADGs and other senior officers to probe the matter.

The Taruner Swapna scheme is an initiative under which the government transfers Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of each (eligible) higher secondary student of government schools to purchase a tablet or mobile phone. Students from at least 15 districts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, have been affected. Earlier, the Kolkata and Malda police set up Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to probe the matter.

“A joint team of senior officers is investigating the issue and 11 people have been arrested so far,” said ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar. As per government data, around 16 lakh students were eligible for receiving the money. 99 per cent students received the money and 0.01 per cent students didn’t. A total of 1,911 students have been affected.”

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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