₹100-Crore Fake Currency Empire Busted in Assam ; Massive Conspiracy Against India's Economy Unearthed
₹100-Crore Fake Currency Empire Busted in Assam ; Massive Conspiracy Against India's Economy Unearthed
In one of the biggest crackdowns on counterfeit currency in recent years, Assam Police, in coordination with security agencies, has exposed an alleged interstate fake currency network worth nearly ₹100 crore.
The operation, carried out in Guwahati, has uncovered what investigators describe as a well-organized syndicate that was allegedly working to flood the Indian market with counterfeit currency through the Northeast, posing a serious threat to the country's financial system.
According to investigators, the racket was being operated from the Bangalmara area of Lakhimpur district, where counterfeit ₹500 notes were allegedly printed and distributed to Guwahati before being transported to different parts of Assam and other Indian states through the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) network.
Kingpin and Key Associates Arrested
Police have arrested the alleged mastermind of the operation, Sahil alias Ismail Ali, along with his wife Sumi. Two other key associates, Afsanur Rahman and Chinmoy Kalita, have also been taken into custody. Authorities believe the arrests have exposed the core of a much larger interstate counterfeit currency syndicate.
Multiple Raids Lead to Major Recoveries
During raids conducted in Guwahati's Lokhra area, Assam Police recovered a counterfeit currency printing machine along with fake notes worth over ₹8 lakh.
Investigators believe the machinery was being used to produce high-quality counterfeit ₹500 notes designed to closely resemble genuine Indian currency.
In another operation, Dispur Police intercepted a vehicle in the Six Mile–Panjabari area and seized counterfeit currency worth ₹10.90 lakh. Three accused from Kanpur and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Separately, the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Kamakhya Railway Station recovered fake currency worth ₹7.37 lakh from two alleged smugglers from Jharkhand, who reportedly purchased the notes from the Rajgarh Road area. Earlier in June, just ahead of the Ambubachi Mela, nearly ₹23 lakh in counterfeit currency had also been seized from the same railway station.
Wider Conspiracy Under Investigation
The case has prompted central security and intelligence agencies to intensify their investigation. Officials suspect the racket may have links extending beyond India's borders. Investigators are examining whether international smuggling networks were involved in facilitating the movement of counterfeit currency.
During interrogation, one of the accused allegedly claimed that a gang operating from the Bongaon–Mangaldai region of Lakhimpur was planning to circulate counterfeit notes worth nearly ₹100 crore in the market. Authorities are verifying these claims and continuing to investigate the broader network.
How to Identify a Genuine ₹500 Note
In light of the seizures, authorities have urged citizens, especially those in border and sensitive regions, to remain vigilant while handling cash. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), a genuine ₹500 note carries several important security features :
Security Thread: A metallic security thread runs vertically through the note. When tilted, its colour changes from green to blue and bears the inscriptions "भारत" and "RBI".
Watermark: Holding the note against light reveals Mahatma Gandhi's portrait along with the numeral "500".
Raised Printing: The portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, the Ashoka Pillar emblem, and an identification mark on the right side have raised printing that can be felt by touch, particularly useful for visually impaired persons.
More Arrests Likely
Police have confirmed that the investigation is far from over. Large quantities of counterfeit currency and equipment used for printing fake notes have already been seized, and investigators believe several more individuals connected to the syndicate may be arrested in the coming days.
Officials from the Guwahati Police Commissionerate and Assam Police stated that this was not merely a case of counterfeit currency production but an alleged organized attempt to undermine India's economic security. Investigations are continuing to identify every individual and network involved in the operation.
