TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee loses over Rs 56 lakh in cyber fraud; Kolkata police launch probe

Kolkata: Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee found himself at the centre of a major cyber fraud case when over Rs 56 lakh were drained from his bank account. According to initial investigations, the funds were transferred out after fraudulent KYC updates enabled access to his dormant account. The account in question was opened years ago at the State Bank of India (SBI) branch during his tenure as a legislator from Asansol (Dakshin) and had remained inactive for several years. Modus Operandi: Forged Documents and Dormant Account Authorities allege that the fraudsters used forged PAN and Aadhaar documents featuring a morphed photograph to update KYC details on the dormant account. They then changed the mobile number linked to the account and gained control of it. Once access was secured, approximately Rs 56,39,767 was transferred from the MP’s personal account into this dormant account, and subsequently the funds were withdrawn via multiple transactions, including ATM withdrawals and jewellery payments. Investigation Underway The SBI’s High Court branch in Kolkata filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station, prompting Kolkata Police to launch a full‑scale probe. Investigators have stated that they are reviewing the bank’s internal procedures, transactional logs, KYC updates and branch protocols to determine how the fraudsters manipulated the account. Bank authorities have promised full cooperation, handing over audit logs, beneficiary details and KYC records. WhatsApp to Introduce “Strict Account Settings Mode” for Enhanced Privacy and Cyber Protection MP’s Reaction and Wider Implications Kalyan Banerjee expressed frustration at the incident with a pointed comment: “If you keep money in the bank, criminals will take it; if you keep it at home, Narendra Modi will take it.” The statement drew attention to his dismay and the wider vulnerability of high‑profile individuals to cybercrime. Political figures are not immune to such attacks, and the case serves as a warning for all account‑holders. From PIN Theft to Online Scams: Are you really safe from credit card frauds? Growing Threat of Cyber Fraud in India Experts say this incident underscores a broader trend: cybercriminals increasingly focus on dormant accounts, use forged documents, and exploit lax KYC update mechanisms. The use of morphed photographs and mobile number changes demonstrates the sophistication of operations. Victims are often unaware until large sums are missing. This kind of fraud underlines the urgent need for stricter account monitoring and enhanced digital safeguards. What Now The investigation will focus on tracing the money trail, identifying beneficiary accounts, and determining any internal lapses at the branch or bank level. The investigation may also examine whether there were earlier alerts or warning signs that were ignored. Banerjee remains hopeful of recovery of the funds, while the bank and law enforcement work to hold the perpetrators accountable.