Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Mar 16: A Kannada daily has reported that probe by National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that large amount of fake Indian currency notes printed in Bangladesh have entered India. The sleuths say that these contraband notes are being spread all over Karnataka and the centre of operations is located in the city.
NIA officials had arrested two people involved with fake currency note racket on march 12 from Pune and Chikkodi. They were told that Dalmia Islam from West Bengal, who gets fake notes through India's border with Bangladesh, has been circulating these notes in the city and collecting genuine notes in exchange thereof. Dalmia Islam was arrested from Pune and he reportedly said that he has supplied fake currency to local dealers. Armed with this information, NIA Mumbai unit staff had rushed to Belagavi, and arrested Ashok Kumbar from Prabhuwadi and Rajendra Bapu Patil alias Desai from Kudachi in Raibag taluk. They were produced in local court and NIA has obtained their custody. The officials have claimed that these two run small businesses as cover up for their illegal business.
It is said that election commission has asked income tax department to concentrate on election irregularities and in all likelihood large scale raids might happen during March end or first week of April based on information collected from people who have been vested with the work of collecting information at grass root level. Leaderships of parties have sounded their state units about the likelihood of raids and advised their units take measures to safeguard their interests and image. As income tax department does not want to be blamed for concentrating only on specific parties, raids might happen on leaders from all the major parties, it is expected.
In the meantime, income tax department is preparing to raid contestants and those extending financial assistance to the candidates, based on specific information about circulation of fake currency. As per expectations, assembly candidates will spend nearly Rs 7,000 crore in the state this time, as candidates are expected to spend Rs 10 to 20 crore as against the limit of Rs 28 lac prescribed by election commission.