Assam: Fake currency racket probe deepens, accused shot during police operation

Guwahati, July 4 (IANS) The investigation into an alleged fake Indian currency racket in Assam gathered pace on Saturday after one of the two accused sustained a bullet injury during a police operation in Guwahati, even as investigators intensified efforts to trace the source of the counterfeit notes and identify other members of the suspected network.

The accused, identified as Ajay Biswakarma, suffered a bullet injury to his right leg during the operation carried out by the Dispur Police in the early hours of Saturday. He was immediately shifted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he is undergoing treatment, officials stated.

Police said Biswakarma and his associate, Debojit Deori, both residents of Deorigaon in Assam’s Dhemaji district, were arrested after a Maruti Swift Dzire was intercepted near Nagaland House in the Six Mile area under the jurisdiction of Dispur Police Station on July 2.

According to investigators, the vehicle was stopped following specific intelligence inputs that the duo was transporting counterfeit Indian currency. During the subsequent police operation, an exchange of fire reportedly took place, resulting in Biswakarma sustaining a gunshot injury.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a black backpack containing eight bundles of suspected counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes. Police said fake currency worth Rs 2.56 lakh was seized along with other incriminating materials. The vehicle allegedly used to transport the counterfeit notes has also been taken into custody.

Investigators suspect the two accused have links to a wider fake currency syndicate operating in the region. Preliminary interrogation indicated that they may have been involved in similar activities in the past, though officials said the claims are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the injured accused has reportedly alleged that some police personnel were connected to the fake currency trade. However, the allegation remains unverified, and the police have not issued an official response to the claim.

Police said efforts are underway to establish the origin of the counterfeit currency, uncover the supply chain and identify others involved in the racket.

–IANS

tdr/dan