Bengal Industrialist Pawan Ruia Arrested After HC Lifts Protection in Rs 170 Crore Cyber Fraud Probe

Industrialist Pawan Ruia was arrested on March 31 at 4.45 pm in front of the Westin Hotel in Newtown, Kolkata. The arrest followed an order by the Calcutta High Court earlier in the day vacating the protection previously granted to him and his family.

Ruia was taken into custody by the West Bengal Police Cyber Cell in connection with an ongoing cyber fraud investigation. An FIR registered by the Cyber Crime Wing alleges that funds obtained through fraudulent activities were siphoned off using multiple mule accounts. Investigators claim that Ruia was linked to the operation of these accounts.

How the Case Emerged

The case came to light following a complaint by Swapan Kumar Mondal, a senior citizen residing in the Eco Park Police Station area of Bidhannagar. He was

allegedly defrauded of Rs 93 lakh after downloading a fraudulent mobile application named KKRMF.apk. The accused reportedly lured him with promises of unusually high investment returns, leading to the misappropriation of his funds.

During the investigation, officers found that the defrauded amount was rapidly transferred across multiple bank accounts, indicating a structured network designed to disperse funds.

Modus Operandi and Financial Trail

Probe findings suggest that the money was routed through several corporate current accounts operated in the names of shell companies. These accounts were allegedly controlled under the direction of Ruia from the Ruia Centre in Kolkata.

Data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) indicates that 1,379 cyber fraud cases across India have been linked to the accused network. Investigators also found that cryptocurrencies were used to obscure transaction trails and facilitate the transfer of funds to foreign destinations.

Sources within the state Cyber Cell describe the case as a large-scale cyber fraud operation with multiple ramifications.

Wider Network and Prior Arrests

Before Ruia’s arrest, Rahul Verma was apprehended on November 1, 2025, at Delhi Airport while attempting to board a flight to London. He remains in judicial custody.

Police allege that more than 1,000 individuals across the country were duped through fake investment platforms and so-called “digital arrest” scams linked to the network.

Family Involvement and Financial Structure

The Cyber Crime Wing has named Ruia’s son, Raghav Ruia, along with other family members in the FIR, alleging that they were primary beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime.

Investigators state that funds were routed through at least 148 shell companies, many sharing common addresses. A significant portion of the money—estimated at ₹170 crore—was allegedly converted into cryptocurrency.

Raids and Legal Developments

Police conducted searches at multiple locations associated with Ruia in Kolkata, including his office at Ruia Centre and his residence in Ballygunge. Ruia and his children were questioned for over eight hours regarding the transactions. Raids had also been conducted earlier.

Earlier, in January 2026, the Calcutta High Court had granted anticipatory bail to Ruia and his children, directing them to deposit their passports. However, with the court vacating that protection, police proceeded with his arrest on Tuesday.