The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested one accused person, the then proprietor of M/s DNB Food Processing Private Limited, in an alleged chit fund misappropriation case.

Accused Debabrata Dutta, along with others, allegedly misappropriated funds to the tune of ₹17.22 crore, and has been absconding since December 22, 2022.

The funds were illegally collected from gullible depositors, according to the CBI. “The accused was absconding and did not cooperate with the investigation. He was declared an absconder in the chargesheet filed on December 26, 2022,” the agency said.

The CBI invoked provisions of the erstwhile Indian Penal Code and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes Banning Act. A non-bailable warrant was issued against the accused on August 5, 2024.

He was traced to Siliguri in West Bengal and arrested on August 28. “He is being brought on transit remand from Siliguri and will be produced before the competent court in Bhubaneswar,” the CBI stated.