KOCHI: Police investigating the seizure of counterfeit currency notes in Perumbavoor suspect that the accused, Salim Mandal, brought a bundle of over 50 fake notes from Bangladesh. A team from the Perumbavoor police will soon travel to Murshidabad, West Bengal, for further inquiries.
The investigation began on March 21 after the police team probing a mobile phone theft on a train in Alappuzha, raided the rented house of Salim, a Bangladeshi national, in Perumbavoor. During the search, officers recovered 17 counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination.
“Although the accused has not disclosed the exact number of fake notes he obtained from Bangladesh, we found a photograph on his mobile phone showing a bundle containing at least 50 counterfeit notes. Evidence suggests that Salim used these fake notes for transactions in both West Bengal and Kerala. We also suspect he had smuggled counterfeit currency from Bangladesh multiple times,” an officer said.
Despite the poor quality of notes, police are concerned about the gang that prints and distributes it in Bangladesh. Authorities have received intelligence reports about an agent in Bangladesh who allegedly supplied the counterfeit currency at half the price.
“We are coordinating with West Bengal police as part of the investigation. Additionally, we are gathering information from other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Our team will be dispatched to West Bengal next week for further inquiries. We suspect that Salim was part of a network involved in smuggling counterfeit currency from Bangladesh,” the officer added.
Salim and his mother illegally crossed over to India and has been residing in Kerala for the past 18 years. Although he initially worked as a labourer in Perumbavoor, he later switched to trading stolen electronic goods. Most of the stolen items were sold in Bangladesh.
“He did not engage in theft himself but purchased stolen mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and other electronic devices from burglars. After accumulating around 50 stolen items, he would travel to West Bengal, cross the border into Bangladesh, and sell them. In addition to cash, he also received counterfeit currency in exchange,” an officer explained.
The case may soon be transferred to the district crime branch for a more detailed probe. “Considering the cross-border nature of the crime, which requires extensive investigation in West Bengal, we are evaluating the possibility of a crime branch inquiry. A final decision will be made next week,” the officer stated.
‘note’ the point
17 counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination seized from the rented house of a migrant worker
The accused- an illegal migrant- has been residing in Kerala for the past 18 years