Fake currency in BDR salary, RBI chest: BSF DG

New Delhi, Sep 30 (UNI) Terming fake currency smuggling a big problem facing us all, outgoing Border Security Force chief A K Mitra today said the menace had reached such proportions that even the salary of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) was recently given in counterfeit notes.

Prior to demitting office, talking to reporters Mr Mitra said now even those smuggling cattle on the Bangladeshi border were making payments in fake currency.

''Things have come to such a pass that two lakh 'taka' worth fake currency in banks was used in the salary of the BDR recently. And that is the reason why this is one area where they are cooperating well.'' Stating that the quality of fake currency from Pakistan was ''very superior'' as compared to that coming from Bangladesh, the BSF DG said the notes were easily adopted in villages by gullible village folk.

He regretted that none of the 'manufacturers' or 'producers' of the fake currency racket had yet been apprehended, which was the reason why the 'flow' had not ceased so far.

''Neither has any equipment been seized nor any big fish arrested. All those arrested so far are mere couriers or small time operatives, which is a cause of concern.'' This year alone we have seized nearly Rs 77 lakh worth fake notes, of which Rs 25 lakh was seized yesterday from Rajasthan, he said and informed that fake currency was also found in the Reserve Bank's currency chest.

However, a committee has been formed by the government to check this menace, Mr Mitra added.

The BSF DG also said 18 Indian criminals residing there had been handed over by Bangladesh authorities to India in recent times.

UNI AN MIR HT1618