Over Rs 13.8 cr in fake notes seized across the country post demonetisation; Gujarat has highest seizure

New Delhi, August 8: Fake notes with the face value of over Rs 13.8 crore were seized in the country so far post-demonetisation. This was said by Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir on Tuesday. Notably, demonetisation was introduced to eradicate corruption, terrorism and menace of fake notes from the country.

 

In a written reply to the questions in Lok Sabha, Minister Hansraj Ahir said that as per the data available with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), fake notes with face value Rs 13.87 crore were seized in states bordering Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh from November 09, 2016 till June 30 this year after demonetisation.

“Fake notes with face value of Rs 5.94 crore were seized from Gujarat which is the highest in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh with Rs 2.19 crore in, Rs 2 crore in West Bengal, Rs 1 crore in Mizoram and Rs 1 crore in Mizoram among others,” he added.

Reiterating government’s policy of zero-tolerance against corruption, the Minister said, "Intelligence and security agencies of the Centre and states keep a close watch on the elements involved in the circulation of fake currency in the country and take action on any reported violation of law."

Citing steps taken by the government to curb smuggling and circulation of fake notes, he said that the production or smuggling or circulation of fake currency, coin or any other material was made a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Hansraj Ahir further noted that FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) was formed by the MHA to share intelligence/information among the different security agencies of the state/Centre to counter the problem of circulation of fake currency notes in the country. "A Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC) has also been constituted in the NIA to investigate terror funding and fake currency cases," he added.

The minister, in the end, said that the steps include strengthening security at international borders by using new surveillance technology, deploying additional manpower for round the clock surveillance, establishing observations posts along the international border, erection of border fencing and intensive patrolling. “A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Bangladesh to prevent and counter smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes,” he concluded.