Who Were Arrested with FICN Worth Rs 16 Lakh in Murshidabad?

Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Murshidabad, two young men have been arrested with fake Indian currency notes worth Rs 16 lakh. This raises serious concerns about the ongoing issue of counterfeit currency in the region, especially given its ties to cross-border operations. What does this mean for local security and the economy?
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals arrested in Murshidabad with Rs 16 lakh in FICN.
- Counterfeit notes were of Rs 500 denomination.
- Police suspect a cross-border FICN operation.
- Investigation ongoing to trace sources and destinations.
- Region has a history of FICN seizures and communal unrest.
Kolkata, April 28 (NationPress) Two individuals were detained in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, found in possession of a batch of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) valued at Rs 16 lakh on Monday, according to police reports.
The apprehended suspects, identified as Alamin Sheikh, aged 20, and M Sheikh, aged 21, are both residents of the Baishnabnagar locality in the neighboring Malda district.
All the counterfeit notes recovered were of the Rs 500 denomination. District police sources indicated that the pair was intercepted while transporting the FICN from Malda to Murshidabad.
Acting on credible information, law enforcement conducted a raid at a designated location in Dhulian Ghat in Samserganj, successfully arresting the suspects along with the counterfeit currency. Both individuals had just appeared at a district court in Jangipur, Murshidabad, earlier that afternoon, where the public prosecutor's request for seven days of police custody was granted.
Authorities have commenced an investigation to trace the origins of the FICN and its intended destination. Investigators suspect that a significant cross-border FICN operation may be at play, given the substantial amount of counterfeit currency involved.
Officials are also not dismissing the possibility of involvement from operatives in neighboring Bangladesh, which shares borders with both Murshidabad and Malda districts.
Notably, due to their proximity to international boundaries, Malda and Murshidabad have frequently emerged in discussions regarding FICN seizures over the past few years, with most arrests linked to residents of these districts.
Samserganj has been notably affected by communal unrest and riot-like incidents earlier this month, following violent protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Two residents, Hargobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, tragically lost their lives in this violence.