Lucknow | The Wazirganj police in Lucknow are preparing to take Hasan Sheikh, a Bangladeshi national currently lodged in jail, on police remand for further interrogation in a fraud case involving illegal entry and organised cross-border crime. Officials say the remand is crucial to identify and trace the two associates who allegedly infiltrated India along with Hasan.
Hasan Sheikh, a resident of Gohala village in Gopalganj district of Bangladesh, was arrested last week along with Umar Sheikh, a native of West Bengal. The two were booked for duping Nishatganj-based bangle shop owner Gullu Sonkar of ₹2 lakh by offering him “300 Riyals” in exchange – a scam the duo executed on November 16.
Police arrested both accused on Friday after tracking their movements. Investigators later discovered that Hasan had illegally entered India with the help of two accomplices, who remain at large.
Police to Question Hasan About Cross-Border Network
According to police sources, the two unidentified men who accompanied Hasan in infiltrating India were in constant touch with him. Authorities believe the trio may be part of a larger racket operating across state borders.
A senior official said that both the police and central intelligence agencies will undertake fresh rounds of questioning once Hasan is placed on remand. The interrogation may require taking him to Delhi and Mumbai, where he is suspected to have established connections and possibly conducted similar frauds.
Previous Cases Under Scanner
Police are also coordinating with their counterparts in West Bengal and Delhi to obtain details of any past cases registered against Hasan. Preliminary information suggests he may have been involved in multiple fraudulent activities prior to his arrest in Lucknow.
Victim Targeted With Currency Scam
The latest case unfolded when Hasan and Umar convinced shopkeeper Gullu Sonkar that they would exchange 300 Saudi Riyals for Indian currency. Trusting them, the victim handed over ₹2 lakh — only to realise later that he had been cheated.
Police say such currency-based frauds have become increasingly common, often involving interstate and cross-border operations.
Further Investigation Underway
The remand application is expected to be moved soon, after which police hope to unearth the full network behind Hasan’s illegal infiltration and financial frauds. Officials indicate that the case could widen significantly depending on the leads retrieved during interrogation.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those involved, especially in cases where illegal foreign nationals are found operating organised crime networks in the state.
