AGARTALA, March 11 (TIWN): A total of 1 lakh 94 thousand fake currency notes had been recovered from the small hilly State, Tripura in the two consecutive financial years. It is to be mentioned that in recent few years, Tripura is gradually developing as the hub for fake Indian currency. The unfenced area in the Indo- Bangladesh border rooted out to be the proper cause for the delivery of these fake currency notes.Besides Bangladesh, illegal persons from Pakistan is smuggling these fake notes to Tripura via Bangladesh through Sonamura, Khowai, Kailashahar and Sadar sub­division. The sources further added that Pakistan is giving a commission of 30 to 40 percentages to the fake note dealers. Pakistan is also providing these fake Indian notes to the dealers in exchange of supplying narcotics products. It is to be mentioned here that a consignment of forged Indian currency notes of Rs 2 crore was recovered at Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, here this month. And in this connection five men were arrested. In the rural areas of Tripura, Fake Indian currency has spread throughout the markets of remote tribal areas in Kumarghat and Longtorai Valley subdivision. There have been seizures of fake Indian currency in Kanchanpur, Kumarghat and Longtorai Valley by BSF and TSR.

Acting on a tip­off, a team of customs intelligence searched the airport's cargo section and recovered the forged Indian currencies.

 There are reports of fake currency notes now being dispensed by banks and ATM machines. Questions were raised, who are involved in the spreading of Indian Fake currency?

Though the police was acknowledged of the issue, yet they were not able to entrap the counterfeiters involved in the scattering of fake Indian currency. Sources said that a number of cases of counterfeiting were reported. Kumarghat and Longtorai Valley subdivision witnessed an average increase in counterfeiting cases. Police and detective agencies could not trace the counterfeiters. The money is printed across the border from where it is moved into the Indian market through our porous borders. These fake notes spread through the economy and are also used to fund the operations of terrorist groups. It was found that the impact of the fake currency racket was being felt at all levels. Even banks are getting fake notes. Especially, businessmen have to face huge problems due to fake Indian currency. A person should recognize a fake note from a real one. It is an appalling state of affairs. Our economy, the foundation of India’s strength and confidence, is under attack and this situation requires an intelligent and swift response. The currency may be fake but their consequences are very real.

Seized fake currency. TIWN File Photo

Unfenced border area in Indo-Bangladesh border at Tripura created troubles for the people along the border as well a local people of the State. The mountainous terrain, dense forests and other hindrances make the unfenced borders porous and vulnerable, enabling illegal immigrants and intruders cross over without any hurdle. The insurgency and illegal trade becomes a common problem due to the lack of unfenced area. It is to be, mention that, Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh and some parts of the border area remain unfenced. On the other hand State Government claims that despite their composite approach of border fencing in the state comprises of both single and double row fencing. Stress is being laid on double row fencing though majority of fencing alignment but the MHA approved single row fencing in areas having trouble in finalizing alignment between BSF and BGB authorities.