Bhadrak: In a major crackdown on counterfeit currency racket in Odisha’s Bhadrak, police arrested two persons and seized fake notes having face value of around Rs 2.79 lakh.
The racket came to light when police caught one Manas Sahu while using fake currency to purchase goods in Deulapal village. Following his arrest, police seized counterfeit notes of Rs 7,100.
During interrogation, Sahu revealed crucial details about the syndicate, pointing to Chandramani alias Chandan Bala, a known criminal from Jajpur district, as the mastermind.
After obtaining the information, a police team raided Chandan Bala’s hideout and arrested him. Fake notes having face value of Rs 2.72 lakh were also seized by the police.
Investigation showed he had extensive criminal history, including past arrests in Andhra Pradesh, Jajpur, and Balasore for similar offences. Bala reportedly operated an exchange racket, offering counterfeit Rs one lakh in return for Rs 20,000 in genuine currency.
Further investigation is in progress to ascertain and crack the entire network.