ECONOMIC OFFENCES
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The scenario of economic offences in Assam can be gauged from the fact that since 2016, the BI(EO) — Bureau of Investigation (Economic Offences) — has arrested 123 persons with various cases related to the State. In 2016, a total of 25 persons were arrested as against 24 cases; in 2017, 27 others were held in 25 cases; in 2018, 35 persons were arrested against 29 cases; in 2019 (till date), 36 persons have been arrested in 15 cases, informed sources. During 2018-19, the largest number of 23 irregularities in banking services were registered and more than 30 bank officials were arrested. The banks included the Punjab National Bank, the Union Bank, and the United Bank of India among others.
Recently, the BIEO unearthed huge financial irregularities amounting to more than Rs 20 crore of the ‘Assam Vegetable Growers Cooperative Society Limited’. Moreover, four self-proclaimed directors of the ‘Spark Fashion Consumer Marketing Private Limited’ were arrested.