In a significant crackdown, the Naharlagun police have successfully dismantled a counterfeit currency operation, arresting four individuals and seizing fake notes with a face value of Rs 1.12 lakh. The operation was launched after an audacious attempt to use fake money at a local grocery store.
The Trigger: A Failed Purchase with Fake Notes
The case came to light on December 2 when two unidentified individuals attempted to buy items from a shop in Polo Colony using counterfeit Rs 500 notes. Alerted by the suspicious currency, the shopkeeper confronted the duo, who then fled the scene. This incident prompted the immediate registration of a case at the Naharlagun Police Station.
Naharlagun Superintendent of Police, Dr. Nyelam Nega, stated that the police swiftly initiated an investigation based on this complaint. The first breakthrough led to the apprehension of Taba Rajiv (18), a resident of Gohpur in Itanagar.
Midnight Raids and the Chain of Arrests
Acting on information obtained from the first accused, the police formed two dedicated teams. Under the direct supervision of Naharlagun Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rishi Longdo, the teams conducted coordinated midnight raids across multiple locations.
The operation led to the arrest of Tadar Raja (26) from Amba, Doimukh. During interrogation, Raja allegedly disclosed the source of the counterfeit currency. This crucial lead enabled the police to track down and arrest the two suspected suppliers: Md Umar Ali (28) from Sonitpur, Assam, and Md Sahinur Alam (21) from Bihpuria, Assam.
Major Haul of Counterfeit Currency
The intensive police operation culminated in the early hours of December 3, around 3 am, with a major seizure. The authorities recovered and confiscated a total of 224 counterfeit notes, all in the denomination of Rs 500. The cumulative face value of the seized fake currency amounted to Rs 1,12,000.
SP Dr. Nyelam Nega confirmed the details of the seizure, highlighting the effectiveness of the swift police response. The arrests and seizure have potentially prevented a significant volume of fake currency from circulating in the local economy, which could have defrauded numerous businesses and individuals.
This case underscores the vigilance of local shopkeepers and the prompt action of the Arunachal Pradesh police in tackling financial crimes. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network and the origin of the counterfeit notes.
