Illegal arms, fake notes racket busted in Kolkata; 8 arrested

The Special Task Force of Kolkata Police seized fake Indian currency notes (FICN) with a total face value of Rs 60,000, three improvised semi-automatic pistols, 14 firearms and several rounds of ammunition and arrested eight persons from the eastern metropolis, a senior officer said on Sunday.

Acting on a tip-off, an anti-FICN team of the force intercepted eight dealers on Saturday evening from Narkeldanga police station area in the city while they were trading counterfeit currency notes and firearms among themselves, police said.

Of the accused dealers, three persons namely Md Nizam, Md Nausad and Rohit Sahil are from Bihar's Munger, while arrested Rafikul Sk, Rahul Sk, Md. Zeaul Sk and Tahir Sk are from West Bengal's Malda and Jiyauddin Mallik from Birbhum district, the police said.

"Counterfeit Indian currency notes amounting to Rs 60,000 of total face value, with 20 pieces of Rs 2,000 notes and 40 pieces of Rs 500 denomination notes were seized," an official said.

About three pieces of improvised 7mm semi-automatic pistols having dual magazines, 21 rounds of cartridges and 14 pieces of semi-finished firearms were recovered in total from their possession, police said.

"The accused persons have been charged for criminal conspiracy and possession of counterfeit currency, and various sections of the Arms Act. They would be produced in court today (Sunday)," the officer added.

--IANS

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