In a significant operation, the Special Task Force (STF) has successfully apprehended a major counterfeit currency operation in Sonepur, resulting in the confiscation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) with a face value exceeding Rs 41.16 lakh. The operation, conducted on September 1, led to the arrest of an individual identified as Deepak Meher.
The fake currency notes discovered in this operation were all in the denomination of Rs 500, highlighting the scale and audacity of the counterfeit operation.
Acting upon a credible tip-off regarding an organized syndicate engaged in the production and circulation of counterfeit currency notes, the STF launched a well-coordinated raid near Ulunda within the district on a Friday.
Following the seizure, a case has been registered under Sections 489-A, 489-B, 489-C, and 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), reflecting the seriousness of the offense.
The confiscated counterfeit currency notes will be forwarded to the Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudrana Pvt. Ltd. located in Mudrana Nagar, Salaboni, Pachima Medinapore, West Bengal. There, experts will examine and provide their expert opinions on the nature and authenticity of the seized notes.
Investigations suggest that the trail of these fake currency notes may lead to Chhattisgarh, hinting at the involvement of additional individuals within the illicit network. The STF, armed with valuable leads, is actively pursuing the identification and apprehension of other potential suspects involved in this counterfeit currency racket.
Prasanta Patnaik