Magam: Police in Magam have apprehended three individuals, including two students, for their alleged involvement in circulating fake Indian currency notes (FICN). Officials confirmed that the arrests were made during a routine operation following credible inputs about suspicious monetary dealings in the area.
According to police sources, the accused have been identified as Bashrat Bashir Rather, a 17-year-old student from Archander Hama in Budgam; Mohammad Shafie Ganaie, 37, from Mazhama Magam in Budgam; and Abid Manzoor, 17, a higher secondary student from Kawoosa Khalisa.
Police said that fake notes amounting to 27,500 rupees were recovered from the possession of Bashrat Bashir Rather, while counterfeit currency worth 5,500 rupees was seized from Abid Manzoor. The total recovery from the operation amounted to 33,000 rupees in fake notes.
A senior police officer in Magam stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the counterfeit currency and whether the arrested individuals were part of a larger network. “We are probing how the notes reached them and whether more people are involved in the circulation racket,” the officer said.
The arrest of two students has sparked concern among locals, who urged authorities to raise awareness among the youth about the serious consequences of engaging in such illegal activities. Locals said the easy availability of counterfeit notes not only damages the economy but also risks drawing impressionable youth into criminal networks.
Police have registered a case at Police Station Magam and further questioning of the accused is in progress. Officials added that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of spreading counterfeit currency in the district. [KNT]
