Rs 64.5 lakh fake currency heist in West Bengal- NIA frames charges

The National Investigation Agency probing several cases relating to the circulation of fake Indian currency has chargesheeted three more persons. Yet again in this case the three persons are from Malda in West Bengal which has become the landing point for fake Indian currency pumped in from Bangladesh.

The three persons to be chargesheeted are Mohammad Dalim, Islam and S K Salim. It was the case of the NIA that these persons had procured fake currency valued at Rs 64,65,000 from Bangladesh. They were working in close association with their counterparts in Bangladesh to procure fake currency and circulate it in India.

The NIA says that Malda in West Bengal has become the main landing point for fake currency in India. Almost 80 per cent of the fake currency has been landing in Malda and from here it is circulated across the country. Investigations have shown that for every Rs 100 of fake currency, the operative gets Rs 40. It is a 60:40 ration at which the fake currency is sold at investigations had also learnt.

Standard Operating Procedure:

An Indo-Bangladesh task force had been formed to counter the menace of fake currency. The two nations have met thrice so far to discuss modalities on curbing the problem. The last meeting was held in New Delhi on February 23 2016.

During the meeting a standard operating procedure had been adopted by both the sides.

The Standard Operating Procedure included the following:

• Sharing of Intelligence inputs and investigative leads between established points of contact.
• Maintaining database on all dimensions of FCN trade and exchange of information on the same by both sides.
• Mass awareness program shall be conducted by Central Banks of both the countries in the vulnerable areas to sensitize people about the risk of FCN.
• Joint Training and Seminars will be organized by both sides on various aspects of identification of FCN and challenges in detection, investigation, and prosecution of FCN related cases.
• The capabilities of Forensic laboratories shall be enhanced through mutual collaboration between the forensic experts on both sides.