Police have arrested five young men in Kalia, Narail, for allegedly running fake Facebook pages to defraud buyers under the guise of selling Hilsa fish from Chandpur.
The arrests were made during a raid in Fuldah village, Purulia Union on Wednesday evening. Those detained are Akidul Islam son of Faruk Sheikh and four others identified as sons of Oliar Sheikh, Kaka Mia Sheikh, Imran Sheikh, and Mohar Mina along with Nirav Sheikh son of Tuhin Sheikh.
Police said the group operated fake Facebook pages, including one called "Chandpurer Hilsa" posting fish photos to lure buyers. After collecting advance payments they would cut off contact also cheating multiple individuals and organizations out of money.
During the raid, police seized six smartphones, three button phones and drug paraphernalia. Officials said Akidul Islam already faces 11 cases under the Narcotics Control Act at Kalia Police Station.
Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Idris Ali said the investigation began after a fraud complaint linked to the "Chandpurer Hilsa" page.
Following prolonged surveillance, police tracked the suspects to Fuldah village and carried out the raid. A cybercrime case has been filed against the arrested individuals, who were sent to Narail court on Thursday.
