GUWAHATI: DB Stock Broking, an investment firm based in the Borah Service area of Guwahati, is under scrutiny following serious allegations of financial misconduct. The firm's owner, Dipankar Barman, is allegedly at large, and the office has been shut down since August 19 after employees faced mounting pressure from distressed investors.
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The situation unfolded when a video featuring Barman surfaced online, in which he admitted to delays in returning funds to numerous investors. This revelation left investors in turmoil with many having invested substantial amounts of money, lured by the promise of high returns.
Launched in 2018, DB Stock Broking quickly attracted thousands of investors, with operations extending beyond Guwahati to other parts of India. Despite the growing concerns, local police authorities have reported that no formal complaints were initially lodged by investors, even as tensions mounted with crores of rupees at risk.
A senior police official told GPlus, "We cannot disclose any current status of the scenario as no complaints have been filed."
On Wednesday, August 21, over 40 concerned investors gathered at the Paltanbazar police station seeking a resolution. One investor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, shared, "We have been gaining profits from this firm since 2018. The situation escalated due to rumours spread through news channels. We are in a fix because heavy amounts of money have been invested, and now all are worried."
Another investor expressed fear over potential legal involvement, stating, "We all are aware that once police and politics dive into this case, we won't get a single penny of our hard-earned money back. Rose Valley is an epic example already. However, depending on the present situation, and if it continues to be the same, we have to approach the law."
In a related development, a video circulated on local media showing Barman's partner voluntarily visiting the All Women Police Station in Panbazar. A senior police official later confirmed that she had neither been summoned nor arrested.
Additionally, another video emerged of Barman's father appealing to his son to return the invested amounts to all stakeholders, even if it meant forgoing the interest.
Late on August 21, a formal complaint alleging a financial scam was lodged by one of the investors seeking return of investment, prompting the Paltanbazar police to initiate an investigation. Further developments will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.
