AIUDF MLA Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday described the counterfeit currency racket as a greater threat than the drug menace, alleging it reflected a “100 per cent failure” of the government and demanding stringent action against those involved in fake currency and drug trafficking.
Reacting to the recent seizure of a large quantity of counterfeit currency in Guwahati, Ajmal questioned the origin of the fake notes and those responsible for circulating them.
“The issue of counterfeit currency is even bigger than the drug menace. Where are these fake notes coming from? Who is using them? This is a 100 per cent failure on the part of the government,” he said.
Ajmal also called for the toughest possible action against those involved in such illegal activities.
“I reiterate that those involved in the trade of drugs and counterfeit currency should face police encounters. Carry out encounters, and all such activities will cease. Strict action must be taken to curb crime,” he said.
Responding to the issue, Assam Minister Biswajit Daimary said the problem was not confined to Assam and appealed to the public to assist law enforcement agencies by sharing information.
“This is not happening only in Assam; it is occurring elsewhere too. If people inform the police about gangs or individuals involved in such activities, action can be taken. I thank those who have provided information, and strict action will certainly follow,” Daimary said.
On a separate issue, Daimary said investment in Assam was gaining momentum under the state’s industrial development initiative, Advantage Assam.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Manab Deka alleged that counterfeit currency was being printed at Bongalmora in his constituency using printing machines before being circulated as genuine notes.
“There is a place called Bongalmora in my district where counterfeit notes are produced to cheat people. The police have taken strict action and arrested nine people the day before yesterday,” Deka said.
The remarks came after police recovered a large quantity of counterfeit currency in Guwahati and continued their investigation into the racket.
