BSF warns of fake currency ahead of Meghalaya polls

The Border Security Force (BSF) has alerted personnel posted in the Border Observatory Posts (BOPs) on the possibility of circulation of fake Indian currency in villages bordering Bangladesh in the run up to the March 3 Assembly polls in Meghalaya.

BSF DIG V S Sikarwar told The Indian Express that there was a “realistic chance” fake currency notes being used in the run-up to the elections. “As the election is just 35 days away, we have alerted our troops to be on high alert,” he said. He said the circulation of fake currency notes in the northeastern states was alarming. Earlier the ISI used to pump in fake currency to these states. But now it has become a big business with locals too printing and circulating these notes, he said.

Last year, the BSF nabbed two Indian nationals at Rasanagiri in South Garo Hills and recovered fake currency from them Both were trying to cross over to Bangladesh.

Last December, the Manipur CID had seized Rs 18 lakh of fake currency and arrested a person in whose press it was being printed. A high ranking state Special Branch officer also said the department is on alert and the police are taking all precautionary measures.