ATS seeks details of counterfeit notes cases from all commissionerates, rural police headquarters
Taking cognizance of the rising incidents of circulation of counterfeit currency notes which are mainly being used to raise funds for terror activities in the country, Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has issued a circular to all police commissionerates and rural headquarters to provide details of the status of such cases and investigation reports. A detailed report is likely to be sent to the ATS in the next couple of days.
Sources from Pune crime branch said that the counterfeit notes, which are difficult to identify without a detection machine, have flooded the city. The local traders, shopkeepers and banks are the worst hit.
The state ATS had arrested an alleged operative of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) two years ago and recovered fake currency notes, which he was allegedly using to raise funds for terror activities. So far, the investigators have established a link to Bengal where fake currency notes are pumped through Bangladesh.
Speaking to dna, a senior ATS officer said, “The fake currency notes are mostly printed by neighbouring countries and smuggled into India. This is one of the sources to get funds for terror activities. Such cases are on the rise in the state and we have sought details of these cases.” According to the Pune police records, over 30 people have been arrested from West Bengal for running fake currency rackets. Other arrested suspects are from Jharkhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Pune and Mumbai.
Deputy commissioner of police (Cyber and Economic Offences Wing), Sanjay Shinde, said, “We have circulated instructions given by the Reserve Bank of India to different police stations in order to raise awareness among the citizens.”
Modus operandi
The racketeers usually stay in lodges and keep changing their locations on a daily basis. They mostly operate in market places and deal with shopkeepers located away from their lodges. They use Rs 500 or Rs 1000 denomination notes to purchase low priced items as the balance amount is returned in original currency. A senior PI said, “Most of the racketeers use hawala, illegal gambling and matka dens to circulate fake notes.”
How to identity fake currency notes
* The original note has the Reserve Bank governor’s signature and RBI seal under ultraviolet light
* Original notes turn yellow, while fake currency notes tend to fade faster
* Original notes are made using fibre paper which lends crispness to them
* Fake notes are made of bamboo paper and are thicker
Recent cases
On August 12, Nigdi police arrested two well-educated sisters for their alleged involvement in a counterfeit note racket. They were caught with fake notes of Rs500, Rs100 and Rs50 having face value of Rs40,000. The sisters were allegedly active for the past two years.They have been identified as Savita Omchand Kagada (24) and Babita (22), residents of Parshi Chawl on Dehu Road.
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