Cracking down on counterfeit currency, The Pathankot Police have been successful in dismantling a fake currency syndicate operating in Pathankot, apprehending three key suspects. Astonishingly, the accused were found to be manufacturing and circulating low-value counterfeit currency in a rental property.
Those arrested have been identified as Ajay Kumar Sharma (35) of Nehru Nagar, Mithun (36) of New Colony Nehru Nagar Pathankot, and Sanjay Kumar (37) of 4 Marla quarter Ram Nagar in Pathankot.
Following the apprehension, the police team was able to retrieve counterfeit Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of a high-quality value, amounting to Rs. 2.52 lakh, in conjunction with one printer, a paper cutting machine, ink bottles, paper of A4 size used in the production of the fake currency, and a marker pen.
Divulging details to the press, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh said that a tip-off was received by the police station of division No. 1 on December 16 regarding the involvement of some persons in the circulation and printing of FICN in Pathankot. Acting swiftly, the police party led by SHO division no. 1 Mandeep Salhotra under the supervision of DSP City Lakhwinder Singh conducted a Nakabandi at Gahri Ahata chowk and apprehended the suspect traveling in an auto with counterfeit Indian currency of Rs. 200.
An FIR has been filed at Police Station Division No. 1 Pathankot, under the Indian Penal Code Sections 489-A, 488-B, 488-C, and 473 against the aforementioned accused. Additionally, four thousand rupees in counterfeit Indian currency of two hundred notes have also been retrieved from the accused.
During the preliminary investigation, the accused Ajay Sharma revealed that he is employed as a health inspector in the Station Health Organization stationed in Pathankot. He began using drugs. Prior to being posted in Pathankot, he was stationed in Srinagar Valley for a period of 10 years. Upon arriving in Pathankot, he came into contact with Sanjay Kumar and Mithun. Both were also drug addicts. Ajay manufactured fake currency in his rental accommodation in Nehru Nagar, Pathankot, and distributed the counterfeit money in the market through Mithun and Sunny. He also used fake money to obtain drugs from Channi Beli village.
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Upon the disclosure of Ajay Sharma, fake currency amounting to Rs. 2,52,000/- was recovered from his rental house along with a printing machine, laptops, plain white papers, cutters, glue, and green-colored tap. Additionally, 25 ATM-cum-debit cards were found during the search.
SSP Khakh stated that the apprehended suspects would be presented before the local court and that a request would be made to investigate the matter further and to identify any additional individuals implicated in the incident.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the fake currency notes. The police are also looking into the possibility of the involvement of an international racket in the case.
We have taken this matter very seriously and are determined to put an end to this criminal activity. We will also be taking steps to make sure that such activities are nipped in the bud before they start, added SSP.
Pathankot Police have appealed to citizens to be vigilant and not to accept any fake currency notes from anyone. They also asked anyone with any information regarding fake currency to contact the local police station.