India's security and intelligence agencies have placed law enforcement on high alert after detecting a projected surge in counterfeit currency ahead of the assembly elections scheduled across seven states between February and December 2027.
The polls will be conducted in Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, prompting agencies to issue a fresh warning that the election period may see a sharp rise in fake Indian notes.
High‑quality counterfeit notes typically enter the country through its borders with Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Most of the sophisticated fakes are printed in Pakistan and are often indistinguishable from genuine currency, making detection inside the financial system extremely difficult.
With border security tightened, criminal networks have altered their tactics. Rather than moving large consignments across borders, they now aim to bring in smaller batches and blend them with domestically produced counterfeit notes.
An Intelligence Bureau official explained that the plan involves smuggling modest quantities of Pakistan‑printed fakes, then mixing them with locally printed copies to increase overall volume and obscure detection.
Authorities also anticipate an expansion of illegal printing operations within India. In recent weeks, several states have reported busts of such units. Notably, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, together with the Sonia police, dismantled an illegal currency printing cell in Shravasti district.
The three arrested individuals were allegedly preparing to exchange counterfeit notes worth Rs 3 lakh for every Rs 1 lakh in genuine currency. Investigators found that the suspects had studied online videos to master the printing process, purchased printing machines via the internet, and sourced special paper smuggled from across the border.
Officials warn that a covert market for counterfeit‑paper exists inside the country, further facilitating the production and circulation of fake notes during the critical election window.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News