Guwahati, July 9 (IANS) AIUDF Chief and Binnakandi MLA Badruddin Ajmal on Thursday described the circulation of counterfeit currency as a bigger threat than the drug menace, alleging that the racket reflected a complete failure of the government and demanding the strictest action against those involved in fake currency and narcotics trafficking.

Reacting to the recent seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit Indian currency notes in Guwahati, Ajmal questioned the source of the fake notes and the network responsible for bringing them into circulation.

“Counterfeit currency is an even bigger problem than drugs. Where are these fake notes coming from, and who is circulating them? This is a 100 per cent failure of the government,” the AIUDF legislator said.

Ajmal reiterated his demand for stringent measures against those engaged in drug smuggling and counterfeit currency operations.

“Those involved in the trade of drugs and fake currency should face the strictest action. If police take tough action, including encounters against hardened criminals, such activities can be curbed,” he said.

Responding to the issue, Assam Minister Biswajit Daimary said the menace was not confined to Assam alone and called upon people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

“This is not happening only in Assam. Such incidents are taking place elsewhere as well. If citizens provide information about people or gangs involved in these activities, the police will certainly act against them. We appreciate those who are helping the police with information,” Daimary said.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Manab Deka alleged that counterfeit currency was being printed using sophisticated machines at Bongalmora in his constituency before being circulated in the market. “There is a place called Bongalmora where fake notes are being printed to cheat innocent people. Police have launched a strict crackdown and arrested nine persons in connection with the racket a couple of days ago,” Deka claimed.

The remarks come in the backdrop of a major fake currency haul in Guwahati, where Assam Police recently busted an alleged counterfeit currency network and seized a huge cache of fake Indian currency notes.

Investigators are probing the source of the counterfeit notes, possible interstate and cross-border links, and the wider network involved in their production and distribution. Police said further investigation is underway to identify other members of the racket and trace the origin of the fake currency.

–IANS

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