Fake currency seizure in border states declines

There is a decline in the seizure of fake currency from 17 bordering states in 2018 compared to the two previous years with Gujarat and West Bengal accounting for the highest seizures.

While in 2018 till November, fake currency with a face value of Rs 4.88 crore was seized, in 2017 it was Rs 15.60 crore and in 2016, it was 11.03 crore.

Almost 64% of fake currency with a face value of Rs 35.69 crore seized from 17 bordering states in the last four years were from Gujarat and West Bengal, official statistics said.

"Intelligence and security agencies of Centre and States keep a close watch on the elements involved in the circulation of fake currency in the country and take action on any reported violation of law," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir informed the Lok Sabha, recently.

According to the statistics provided by the MHA in Parliament, 4.63-lakh fake notes with a face value of Rs 14.12 crore were seized between 2015 and November 2018.

In West Bengal, the seizure was 1.22-lakh fake notes with a face value of Rs 8.72 crore.

Uttar Pradesh is another state which has a higher number of the seizure of fake notes during this period— 77,704 fake notes with a face value of Rs 5.5 crore.

Ahir said that security at international borders has been strengthened using surveillance technology, deploying additional manpower for round the clock surveillance, establishing observation posts along the international border, erection of border fencing and intensive patrolling.