Itanagar: The Doimukh Police have achieved a significant breakthrough by uncovering a counterfeit currency racket. The discovery was made following the detection of fake notes worth Rs 45,000 deposited in a cash deposit machine at the State Bank of India’s (SBI) booth in Doimukh recently.
The case came to light when Doimukh SBI branch manager Rahul Mili reported the incident and filed an FIR on May 22. Prompt action was accordingly taken by the police and a case was registered under Section 489(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
A specialized team, led by Balijan SDPO and DySP Radhe Obing, and comprising officers such as Doimukh PS officer-in-charge Inspector Phassang Simi, sub-inspectors M Hussain and Tapi Napa, assistant sub-inspector M A Nur and constables Dorjee Phurpa, PN Khrimey, and R Teron, was formed to investigate the incident.
The investigation was conducted under the vigilant supervision of Papum Pare superintendent of police Taru Gusar.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the counterfeit currency was deposited on May 11 by Nabam Raja, a trained graduate teacher (TGT) at Mani Government Secondary School from Nakar Village, Mengio.
“Raja was found to be involved with a sophisticated criminal syndicate comprising five members, who orchestrated the fraudulent scheme,” said SP Gusar.
The SP further explained that Raja’s involvement with the syndicate began in Sonapur, Guwahati, where he exchanged Rs. 30,000 in genuine currency for Rs. 70,000 in counterfeit notes, illustrating the gang’s modus operandi of offering counterfeit currency at triple the value of genuine money.
The gang used targeted communication via WhatsApp and other social media platforms to lure vulnerable individuals with enticing images of bundles of money.
Victims were then brought to fixed meeting places where counterfeit currency printing machines, which produced genuine notes during demonstrations, were used to deceive them.
“Two key members of the syndicate, Ramjan Ali and Sukleshwar Tati, have been apprehended. However, the investigation is ongoing as the police continues to pursue the remaining gang members with unwavering determination,” said Gusar.
The SP has also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
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