Chhattisgarh Police: Maoists printing counterfeit notes in Sukma district
- In Reports
- 09:13 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
An anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district resulted in a significant discovery that could have serious effects on the local economy. Security forces uncovered equipment used for printing counterfeit currency in Maoist camps for the first time.
While this suggests that extensive security operations in the area have disrupted the rebels' cash flow, the use and circulation of counterfeit currency in local markets could pose a significant problem.
The surprising discovery was made during a joint search operation conducted by the Sukma Police, District Reserve Guard, and the CRPF in the Korajguda forests.
District police chief Kiran Chavan informed that the search operation was initiated based on intelligence reports about Maoists printing counterfeit currency in the forest. Although the rebels managed to escape, the forces discovered currency printing machines, ink, templates, and fake notes in various denominations—₹ 50, ₹ 100, ₹ 200, and ₹ 500—at their hideout. Additionally, they seized several other items, including a gun, a wireless set, and a large quantity of explosives.
"The manner in which they are printing notes indicates that the Naxalite organisation is experiencing a money shortage. The ongoing operations in the interior regions have significantly reduced their funding, leading them to resort to printing counterfeit currency," the senior officer explained.
Maoists are known to purchase supplies from weekly village markets, and their use of counterfeit currency in these transactions could potentially destabilise the local economy. In response, local authorities and security forces are launching awareness campaigns in villages, urging residents to be vigilant and reject any suspicious currency.
Traders and hawkers, particularly those in remote areas, are being advised to carefully check notes before accepting them.
Sources indicate that since 2022, Maoists have adopted a new tactic to print fake currency to address their cash shortage. At least one member from each area committee was trained to produce counterfeit notes, which were then used in local markets, integrating the fake currency into the cash system.
Image Source: MSN
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