Police Shoot Fake Currency Accused in Leg After Custody Escape Bid

A key accused in a recently uncovered counterfeit currency racket in Guwahati was injured in police firing while allegedly attempting to escape from custody on Friday night, officials said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Ajay Biswakarma, sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said his condition was stable following the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, East, TR Pegu said Biswakarma had provided information during questioning about a machine allegedly used to print counterfeit currency in the Kalakhetra area. An investigating team took him to the location on Friday night as part of efforts to recover evidence connected to the racket. Police alleged that Biswakarma attempted to flee from custody while the team was carrying out the operation.

According to the police account, officers initially fired a couple of warning shots in an attempt to stop the accused from escaping. When he allegedly continued trying to flee, police fired two rounds aimed at his legs to prevent his escape. One of the bullets struck Biswakarma in the leg, after which he was taken into custody and shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.

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The incident came amid an ongoing investigation into a fake currency network recently detected in Guwahati. Police said they had recovered counterfeit notes with a total face value of Rs 13.46 lakh during two separate operations in the city. The recoveries were made as investigators acted on information linked to the alleged production and circulation of fake currency.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the case, including three accused linked to Kanpur and Uttarakhand and two from Silapathar in Assam. The operations were carried out on June 30 and July 1 by officials from Dispur Police Station. Investigators are now examining the suspected network and attempting to determine how the counterfeit notes were produced and distributed.

Police are continuing their investigation into the racket and are expected to examine the alleged printing equipment and other evidence connected to the case. Officials will also seek to establish whether more people were involved in the network and identify the intended destinations of the counterfeit currency. Biswakarma remains under medical care, while further legal and investigative proceedings are expected to continue after his treatment.

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