Fake Currency Racket: Hamirpur Police have arrested two individuals from Punjab for operating a fake currency racket in Himachal Pradesh. The suspects were apprehended following an investigation into a fraud case involving a local shopkeeper.
The incident was reported on April 9 when a 74-year-old shopkeeper at the Loharda bypass road filed a complaint. According to the victim, two men distracted him and exchanged genuine five-rupee notes for counterfeit two-hundred-rupee bills before fleeing the scene.
Upon receiving the complaint, the police formed a dedicated investigative team. Authorities scrutinized CCTV footage near the crime scene and utilized Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) data. Detailed analysis of bank records eventually led to the identification of the vehicle used by the suspects.
On Friday, police intercepted a vehicle near Baihnajtan during a routine check while the suspects were en route to Manali. Both individuals were taken into custody following a strategic operation.
A search of the suspects revealed a stash of counterfeit currency. Police seized 16 fake notes of 500-rupee denomination and 33 fake notes of 200-rupee denomination. Preliminary interrogations suggest the pair intended to circulate the forged notes in other parts of the state after targeting Hamirpur.
Investigators indicate the suspects had been traveling across various districts in Himachal Pradesh over the past few days. Police suspect the pair specifically targeted small traders and elderly residents. Efforts are currently underway to connect these incidents and map the gang’s full operational scope.
Hamirpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Balbir Singh has issued a public advisory, urging traders and citizens to remain vigilant. He emphasized that the public should immediately report any suspicious transactions or suspected fraud to the nearest police station. Police continue to conduct further operations to dismantle the criminal network.
