The Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police seized fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 20.87 lakh in Malda district, arresting two individuals involved in the illicit racket. The dramatic bust, which unfolded late Tuesday night, has sent shockwaves through the region and raised concerns about the spread of counterfeit money in West Bengal.

Acting on a tip-off, STF personnel launched a targeted operation at the PTS crossing in Baishnabnagar, a known hotspot for suspicious activities. Around midnight, officers spotted two men, later identified as Hazrat Belal alias Masud from Mondai in Baishnabnagar and Tarikul Islam from Mohabbatpur under Kaliachak Police Station, moving under suspicious circumstances. A swift search revealed a staggering haul of fake Rs 500 notes, meticulously crafted to resemble genuine currency, with a total face value of Rs 20.87 lakh.

“The seizure is a significant blow to the counterfeit currency network in the region,” said a senior STF officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The operation was meticulously planned based on credible intelligence, highlighting the STF’s commitment to curbing financial crimes that threaten the local economy. The officer added that the fake notes were of high quality, suggesting a sophisticated operation behind their production and distribution.

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The accused were presented before the Malda district court on Wednesday, where the police requested 10 days of custody to interrogate them further. Authorities are hopeful that questioning will uncover critical leads about the broader fake currency racket, including potential links to organized crime syndicates operating across state or even international borders. The court’s decision on the custody request is still pending.

This seizure comes amid growing concerns about counterfeit currency circulating in India, which undermines public trust in the financial system and fuels illegal activities. Malda, strategically located near the India-Bangladesh border, has long been a focal point for such illicit operations due to its proximity to porous border areas. The STF’s success in this operation underscores the importance of vigilant policing and intelligence-driven efforts to combat financial crimes.

Investigators are now working to trace the source of the fake notes, including possible connections to printing facilities and distribution networks. “We expect to unravel more details about the supply chain and key players involved,” the officer noted, hinting at the possibility of more arrests in the coming days. The bust serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against counterfeit currency and the need for robust measures to safeguard India’s economy.

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