Fake currency racket busted in B’pur; five arrested

The Bhubaneswar Commissionerate police on Monday busted a fake currency note unit operating from Nuapada Bazaar Sahi in Brahmapur city and seized counterfeit notes of Rs 4.65 lakh.

Five persons, identified as Rameswar Moharana (43) of Ganjam, K Ramesh (56) of Brahmapur, Pranam Bhoi (22), Dillip Bhoi (19) and Sarat Sahoo (32) of Khordha, were arrested in the connection.

Police sources said Sarat, Pranam and Dillip were trying to exchange some fake currency notes at Mahura Bazaar under the Tomando police station in Bhubaneswar. Acting on a tipoff, the Quick Action Team (QAT) of the Commissionerate police and the Tomando police swooped down on the spot  and nabbed the accused trio.

Fake currency notes of Rs 15,600 in denominations of Rs 2,000, Rs  500 and Rs 100 were seized from their possession.

After interrogating the three, the cops came to know about the fake currency note printing unit in Brahmapur, following which a police team went to the town and raided the place leading to the arrest of other two accused.

Rs 4,49,550 fake currency notes in denominations of Rs  2000, Rs 500, Rs  200, Rs 100 and Rs 50, a colour printer, 22 cartridges, nine rubber stamps, 22 paper cutters and 5 mobile phones were seized from the spot.

“In order to unearth the roots of the fake currency note racket, more investigation is required. The accused would be forwarded to court tomorrow. We would seek remand of the five for further questioning and probe,” said Commissioner of Police YB Khurania.