A massive cyber scam targeting West Bengal's 'Taruner Swapna' scheme has affected 1,911 students, with over 93 FIRs registered and 11 arrests made so far. The scheme, aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing ₹10,000 to higher secondary students for purchasing tablets, has been compromised by interstate cybercriminal gangs.
Investigators revealed that hackers infiltrated school portals, altering bank account details to divert funds meant for students. The stolen money was transferred to accounts in states like Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Bihar, as well as various districts within West Bengal. Many accounts used were “mule accounts,” operated for fraudulent transactions. Funds were often withdrawn within hours of transfer.
The scam came to light following 107 complaints lodged in Kolkata, with similar incidents reported in South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, and other districts. Allegations include fund diversion, double disbursements, and non-receipt of grants by beneficiaries. For instance, in South 24 Parganas, funds for 400 students were redirected to other accounts, while nearly 5,000 students in Murshidabad reportedly received double payments.
To address the crisis, the Kolkata Police and CID have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Raids are ongoing to apprehend the hackers and mastermind behind the scheme. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant convened a high-level meeting with district officials, and the National Informatics Centre proposed measures to identify vulnerabilities.
Education Minister Bratya Basu vowed strict action against the culprits, emphasizing that no guilty person would be spared. Efforts are underway to secure compromised data and prevent future breaches.
Launched in 2020, the 'Taruner Swapna' scheme was allocated ₹900 crore for FY 2024-25. The scam highlights challenges in securing direct benefit transfer (DBT) systems and the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Authorities are striving to restore confidence in the scheme and ensure justice for affected students.
