Kolkata advocate gifts phone to wife, Gujarat cops come calling

Time of India

08-07-2025

A mobile phone purchased as a gift from a central Kolkata store by a Salt Lake-based advocate, hailing from Sakharipara in Muchipara, for his wife has become a major headache for the couple.
The mobile is now at the centre of a cybercrime investigation being carried out simultaneously by Gujarat Police and Bowbazar Police.
According to Kolkata Police, the phone was purchased for Rs 49,000 from a store on Mission Row Extension in Feb. The advocate said the mobile phone was in a sealed condition and even a GST bill was issued against it. Yet, a few days after his wife began using it, the Gujarat Police arrived at his doorstep, alleging that it was used to commit cybercrimes before its sale.
The couple, who believed they purchased a new device, learned of the connection when officers from Rajkot police station, under Gujarat Police, matched their phone's IMEI number to one used in a criminal case. "We were shocked when Gujarat Police contacted us about a cybercrime investigation linked to our phone," said the advocate to Gujarat cops.
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The revelation prompted the couple to file a complaint at Hare Street police station, accusing the mobile vendor of deliberately selling them an old phone involved in criminal activities as new.
"This is a clear case of deception," said an investigator. The case was later handed over to Bowbazar Police as the shop fell in their jurisdiction.
Bowbazar Police Station, now handling the investigation, has summoned the store owners for questioning. They have also summoned the distributor. "We have gone through the records of the seller and found nothing suspicious. Hence, we have now summoned the distributor.
The seller claimed he had no inkling that the phone was used earlier."
The phone has been seized and sent for forensic examination to determine its history and whether the sellers were aware of its previous use. "We are investigating how an old phone was sold as new and whether there is a larger network involved in such practices," said a senior cop.
The case has raised concerns about consumer protection and the need for stricter regulations in mobile phone retail. Legal experts suggest this incident could lead to enhanced scrutiny of mobile phone vendors and their sales practices. The Gujarat Police continue to investigate the original cybercrime while local authorities focus on the fraudulent sale. The case remains under investigation, with both the couple and law enforcement awaiting forensic results.
TNN