A police team from Jhargram on Saturday arrested a man in Lake Town for allegedly duping a medical aspirant of Rs 12 lakh by promising him a seat at Calcutta Medical College and Hospital.

Shyamal Das, 38, was picked up from his rented accommodation in Lake Town by the police team from Jhargram and a Calcutta police team after they tracked down his mobile phone number.

Das had posted several advertisements offering medical seats to students, a police officer said.

“The accused used to frequently put up advertisements and posters at various places including railway stations offering admission to medical colleges,” said the officer.

A few months back, a young man got in touch with Das who promised him admission to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, the officer said.

“The accused took Rs 12 lakh from the medical aspirant and said that he will ensure that he gets admission to the medical course. However, he stopped all forms of communication and switched off his phone after he got the money,” said the officer.

The medical aspirant waited for several months before realising that he was duped, after which he lodged a complaint with police.

“We are trying to track down other members of his gang,” said the officer.

Another investigating officer said, during questioning, Das said he had cheated other men and women in a similar manner in several states.

“This racket has been active for sometime. We are trying to zero in on the others and will get in touch with the other victims as well,” the officer said.