Srinagar, March 13 (NationPress) - Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district announced on Friday the dismantling of a fraudulent currency operation, resulting in the apprehension of three suspects.

A statement from the police indicated, "The Shopian police have successfully disrupted a fake currency distribution network, recovering counterfeit notes totaling Rs 79,000 after a complaint was filed by a local shopkeeper."

"This operation led to the capture of three individuals involved in the dissemination of counterfeit currency notes in the locality. A formal case has been registered, and a thorough investigation has commenced to trace the origins of the fake currency," the statement elaborated.

The investigation was initiated after a shopkeeper reported that a customer had attempted to use fake notes for a purchase at his store earlier this week. Police officials remarked that this complaint prompted an urgent inquiry, leading to the verification of the suspicious transaction and the identification of individuals connected to the counterfeit currency distribution.

As part of the investigative efforts, police executed searches and seized counterfeit currency notes amounting to Rs 79,000 from the suspects and their associates.

The arrested individuals include Mohd Syed Wani from Batpora village in Shopian, Mohd Maqbool Naikoo from Bungam village in Shopian, and Peerzada Altaf from Tukroo Babnad village in Pulwama.

All three suspects have been taken into custody, with the police registering an FIR at the Shopian Police Station under applicable legal provisions. Investigators are actively working to uncover the source of the counterfeit currency and to ascertain whether the suspects are part of a broader network engaged in the distribution of fake notes in the area.

The police further stated that they are exploring potential connections that could reveal other individuals involved in the supply or distribution of counterfeit currency.

This recovery underscores the persistent threat of fake currency infiltrating local markets, where unsuspecting shopkeepers and customers can easily fall victim to such unlawful activities.

In light of this, police urge residents and merchants to exercise caution when accepting cash payments and to promptly report any dubious transactions.

The Shopian Police also encouraged the community to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement in identifying and reporting incidents related to counterfeit currency," the statement concluded.