NIA Files Supplementary Chargesheet in Assam Fake Currency Case; Three More Accused Named

Khandakar Khairul Alom, Sitjal Haque, and Sudip Biswas have been included in the recent charge sheet

Digital Desk: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken another stride in the ongoing investigation of the 2019 Assam fake currency seizure case by filing a second supplementary chargesheet, naming three additional accused. The investigative agency posted a press release on ‘X’.

Khandakar Khairul Alom, Sitjal Haque, and Sudip Biswas have been included in the recent charge sheet, bringing the total number of accused in the case to seven. The NIA initially filed charges against three individuals in December 2019 and later issued the first supplementary chargesheet against one more individual in May 2020.

According to the NIA press release, Sudip Biswas emerges as a pivotal figure in the illegal operation, allegedly conspiring with Safikul Islam to produce and distribute counterfeit Indian currency notes (FICN) for financial gain. "Sudip Biswas played a pivotal role in this illicit operation, and his apprehension marks a significant breakthrough in our investigation," the NIA press release noted.

Utilising a colour printer and bond paper procured from local markets, they purportedly printed fake notes in denominations ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 500. Notably, Safikul Islam, initially involved in the scheme, later cooperated with authorities as an approver, offering crucial insights into the operation.

The case initially surfaced after Assam Police confiscated FICN with a face value of Rs. 1,84,000 from the possession of Mataleb Ali, Amir Hamza, and Dilbar Hussain. Investigations led by the NIA revealed that the trio had received the counterfeit currency from Sudip and Safikul for circulation.

In a separate development, operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) in Assam, a significant breakthrough was made in the fight against counterfeit currency. Acting on credible intelligence, the STF raided a residence in Pub Sarania, Chandmari PS, Guwahati, on the evening of March 14, 2024. The recovered items included one FICN printing machine, 100 counterfeit Rs.500 notes amounting to Rs.50,000, three mobile phones, a Honda Dio scooty with registration number AS-01-FA-7170, and a Wagonr VXI with registration number AS01AQ6351.