The Ahmedabad City Crime Branch has launched a major investigation following the seizure of a large consignment of counterfeit Indian currency notes. Officials registered a First Information Report (FIR) after confiscating fake notes with a total face value of Rs 5.33 lakh.
Bank Vigilance Uncovers Fake Notes
The counterfeit currency was detected and forwarded to the police by multiple banks over the past several months. According to the complaint filed with the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB), sealed packets containing the suspected fake notes were received from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as well as several nationalised, private, and cooperative banks operating in Ahmedabad and other regions of Gujarat.
The fake notes were identified during routine banking transactions and cash scrutiny procedures. Upon discovery, the respective banks immediately reported the matter to the authorities and forwarded the currency for legal action, initiating the police probe.
Denomination Details and Physical Condition
The seized counterfeit currency comprised notes of various denominations, providing a snapshot of the forgery operation. The haul included notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500, Rs 200, Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20, and Rs 10.
Officials revealed that Rs 500 notes formed the largest share of the total seizure. This was followed by significant quantities of Rs 200 and Rs 100 denomination notes.
Investigators provided details on the poor quality of many fake notes. A significant number were found to be torn, taped, partially damaged, or crudely joined together with paper. Some notes bore rubber stamps explicitly marking them as counterfeit. Interestingly, a few old Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes were simply marked with the word "Old."
The appearance of the seized currency varied widely. It ranged from prints resembling colour photocopies to badly worn and defaced pieces. This condition suggests the notes had seen repeated attempts at circulation in the market before finally being caught.
Legal Action and Conspiracy Charges
The FIR states that unknown individuals, at some point before September 30, 2024, allegedly conspired to manufacture and circulate the counterfeit Indian currency as genuine. The intent, as per the complaint, was to cause financial loss and undermine the country's monetary system.
The police have registered a case under specific sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include using forged or counterfeit currency as genuine, possession of such currency, and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is now focused on tracing the source and network behind this fake currency racket.
