Counterfeit Currency Racket Member Arrested After Gunfight

A gangster involved in the counterfeit currency trade was arrested on Wednesday following a gunfire encounter with the police. Police seized fake Indian currency, a country-made pistol, laptops, and other illegal items. The BJP accused the Samajwadi Party of links to the racketeers, leading to political tension.

A notorious gangster involved in the counterfeit currency trade was arrested on Wednesday following a gunfire encounter, which left him with a bullet wound, police confirmed.

Superintendent of Police Santosh Mishra reported that the gang member, identified as Mustqueem, was caught with fake Indian currency and a country-made pistol in his possession. This arrest brings the total number of those apprehended in connection with the racket to 11, he added.

Police seized counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 5,62,000; Rs 1,10,000 in genuine currency; and Rs 3,000 in Nepalese currency. Among other items recovered were ten .315-bore pistols with 30 live cartridges, four improvised explosive devices, thirteen mobile phones, 26 SIM cards, ten fake Aadhaar cards, ten ATM cards, eight laptops, and two vehicles used in the crime.

The arrests have sparked political controversy, with the BJP alleging that some racketeers had affiliations with the Samajwadi Party. Responding to the accusations, SP leader Udaiveer Singh emphasized that the law will take its course and cautioned against unfair exemptions for individuals associated with the BJP.

(With inputs from agencies.)