HYDERABAD: It's official! Hundreds of crores of rupees of fake Indian currency notes (IFCN) especially of Rs 2,000 denomination printed by notorious gangs of neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan are flooding Malda in West Bengal for illegal circulation in the country and disrupting nation’s economy.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials have alerted the Hyderabad police to be vigilant in preventing the circulation of such fake currency by providing proper leads about the gang members indulging in the offence.
A few months ago, the Central government has demonetised the old notes and released new Rs 2,000 notes stating that the initiative would help in curbing circulation of fake currency notes in India. Months after the demonetisation, the government’s move proved to be futile after notorious gang members were found circulating fake Rs 2,000 notes.
“For the first time after demonetisation, we have received specific information from Central agencies about these gangs who have brought huge quantities of fake currency of Rs 2,000 denomination to the city and being circulated at selected congested business localities. Following the tip off, our teams have kept a close vigil and arrested three persons and recovered fake currency worth Rs 1.90 lakh from them,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Task Force, B Limba Reddy said.
Abdul Razzak alias Zintu Miya and Khaimul Haq, residents of Malda in West Bengal have been securing fake currency from the neighbouring countries and circulating them to their agents across India for a commission. Abdul Razzak and others were arrested by the Hyderabad police, who claim that they confessed to obtaining fake currency from known persons based in Bangladesh and Pakistan and circulating them in the Indian market.
“During scientific examinations, we have found that the seized fake currency of Rs 2,000 denomination were printed (not xeroxed copies) in Bangladesh and Pakistan. After being printed there, the fake notes are being brought to Malda in West Bengal from where the gangs are asked to circulate them across the nation,” the DCP said. The police, who interrogated the arrested persons in connection with the offence, have learnt that hundreds of crores of fake currency is in circulation in major cities including Hyderabad.