‘B’desh mint paper’ used to print Rs 2,000 fake notes

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 8

The forensic report on the seized fake currency notes in Rs 2,000 denomination has revealed that the paper used for printing is that of Bangladesh’s “Takka”, even as Intelligence reports also suggest that Pakistan’s ISI operatives are working towards setting up a FICN printing facility near India-Bangladesh border.

Confirming the Intelligence Bureau report on Pakistani operatives’ attempt to set up a Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) printing facility along the India-Bangladesh border, sources said the forensic investigations on seized Rs2,000 notes revealed that the miscreants “used Bangladesh’s official currency papers”.

“The forensic report and also the IB input on printing facility in their territory have been shared with authorities in Bangladesh,” a senior MHA official said, adding the Indian side has been assured of action on the two counts.

India has reportedly informed the authorities in Bangladesh that they should ensure “pilferage or connivance of some staff” at the mints in that country did not take place. The National Investigation Agency and IB have informed the Centre that ISI-backed subversive elements have been able to copy 8 security features in the Rs2,000 notes.

Meanwhile, Indian agencies are also suspecting that some Bangladeshi elements are getting support from certain sections of ISI in their effort to set up gadgets to print FICNs.

An IB official said: “The issue came up during the quarterly joint intelligence meeting with Bangladeshi counterparts, which was held in Shillong recently.” The official, however, contended India’s Intelligence input needed to be “corroborated by the Bangladeshi counterparts who had been cooperating on all fronts”.