Fake Currency Over Rs 26 Lakh Seized, 4 Held  

Jajpur (Odisha): Four persons were arrested for running a fake currency racket in Jajpur district and other areas in Odisha as police seized fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 27.46 lakh from them.

Getting a tip off, Kaliapani police on Sunday conducted a raid in Kingola village and apprehended one Pradeep Kumar Pradhan from his house and took him to Kaliapani police station. Police also seized Rs 8,200 fake Indian currency notes of Rs 100 denomination from his possession.

"Pradhan was trying to circulate the fake currency notes it in the local market, finding it to be fit place for use as the area is dominated by illiterate and innocent tribal people," said Inspector General (IG) of police, Central Range, Soumendra Priyadarshi.

Police said during through interrogation, he disclosed his aide name Chandramani Bal who was also circulating the fake currency notes. Police also raided the house of Chandramani at Chhachina village in the district and arrested him. Police also seized counterfeit notes of Rs 50,000 of various denominations from his possession which was for circulation in Mangalpur and Dasarathapur areas.

During interrogation of the duo, police got vital information on the fake currency circulation and conducted raids at different places in the state and arrested Rameswar Maharana alias Ramesh of Nuapada of Ganjam and seized Rs 26.16 lakh of counterfeit notes of 2,000, 500 and 100 denominations.

Police said while Ramesh and Pradeep used to circulate the notes, Chandramani was preparing these counterfeit notes.

"This is a very big racket and more people are involved in this crime. We have only arrested four persons. Investigation is on to apprehend other accused who are involved in this racket,” the IG pointed out.

He, however, did not reveal the name of the fourth accused arrested in this case. A case under various section of IPC has been registered in this connection.

PTI