Samastipur: In a joint operation, teams of the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) and Bihar STF on Tuesday raided the residence of former BJP district spokesperson Pankaj Kumar Lal in Samastipur and arrested him in connection with a fake currency “doubling” racket. Fake currency notes were recovered from his house, though the exact amount is yet to be officially confirmed.
The raid was carried out at his residence in Ajnoul village under the Dalsinghsarai subdivision. According to police, the operation is linked to a counterfeit currency scam in which victims were promised to “double” their money.
₹30,000 for ₹1 Lakh Fake Notes
DSP Vivek Sharma said the accused allegedly took ₹30,000 from people and gave them fake currency notes worth ₹1 lakh. He is also named in an FIR registered in Haryana related to cheating and a robbery case.
Sources said Pankaj Kumar Lal was involved in a pre-election fraud case in Haryana where a person was promised ₹4 lakh in return for ₹2 lakh. After the transaction, the victim was allegedly robbed on the way.
Heavy Security During Raid
During the search operation, teams from Haryana STF, Bihar STF and the local police remained stationed in Ajnoul village from morning. The area around Lal’s house was cordoned off and villagers were not allowed to approach the site. Investigating agencies are now trying to identify other members of the network.
Background and Assets Under Scanner
Pankaj Kumar Lal is a former BJP district spokesperson. At present, he runs a rail water supply business and operates a rickshaw agency in Kalyanpur under the Vibhutipur police station area.
About two years ago, he bought land in Ajnoul and began constructing a luxury house at a cost of over ₹3 crore. The construction work is still underway. Police are now examining the source of funds used for the property.
Searches Continue
DSP Vivek Sharma confirmed the raid but said detailed information cannot be shared at this stage as the operation is still in progress. He assured that a full briefing will be given once the searches are completed.
STF sources said Lal was in contact with a counterfeit currency trader based in Haryana and used to supply fake notes locally. He has been taken to Samartha Kalyanpur under Vibhutipur police station, where further searches are underway.
