Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur
Puttur, Jul 28: The police department has clarified that although a counterfeit currency printing racket operating from a building at Adenja in Kaniyooru village of Beltangady taluk had made several attempts to print fake currency in the past, it has not printed and circulated any counterfeit notes to the public so far.
According to the police, the group had arrived in Uppinangady about a month ago. Investigations have revealed that they had not printed and distributed any fake currency until now. The timeline of their purchases of various materials required for printing also supports this finding. The accused had made earlier attempts to print counterfeit currency but had not perfected the process. After rectifying the shortcomings in their previous attempts, they were trying to continue the operation, the police said.
Following the arrests in the case, there were widespread concerns among the public that the accused might have already circulated fake currency in the district. The police clarification has brought some relief to residents.
Police sources said one of the accused, Ibrahim, has two previous cases related to counterfeit currency and is believed to be one of the key conspirators in the racket. Some of the other accused are also suspected to have been involved in circulating fake currency in the past. Their criminal background and previous activities are still under investigation.
The police also stated that Kodagu district police assisted in the investigation by sharing crucial intelligence.
On the night of July 15, at around 11.30 pm, a joint team of Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu district police raided the building at Adenja and arrested seven accused who were allegedly engaged in printing counterfeit currency.
Police further said that a few accused are still absconding, and their arrest is expected to provide greater clarity into the case and the extent of the conspiracy.