Madhubani: In a major crackdown on counterfeit currency, a joint team of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) seized fake Indian currency notes worth approximately Rs 5 lakh and arrested two suspected traffickers during a raid in Duhabi Bazaar under the Basopatti police station limits of Madhubani district.
The operation was carried out on Sunday following specific intelligence inputs. Officials involved in the raid disclosed details of the operation around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The arrested accused have been identified as Bharat Mahaseth and his relative Shivkumar Raut. Preliminary investigations suggest that the duo may have been associated with a counterfeit Indian currency trafficking network for a considerable period.
According to officials, the joint operation was launched based on continuous intelligence gathered by the SSB and Bihar STF.
Local Police Kept Uninformed
Sources said the local Basopatti police station was not informed in advance about the operation, triggering discussions in the area regarding the secrecy surrounding the raid.
Investigation Continues
Officials said the investigation is still underway and declined to disclose further details, stating that revealing information at this stage could hamper the ongoing probe.
The arrested suspects are being subjected to intensive questioning, and investigators believe the interrogation could help uncover the larger counterfeit currency network. More details are expected to be made public after the investigation progresses.
Basopatti Has Witnessed Similar Operations
The Basopatti area has witnessed major enforcement actions in recent months. Earlier, the Bihar STF had seized a large consignment of cannabis allegedly smuggled from Nepal in the same police station area. In that case, a pickup vehicle carrying the contraband, along with its driver and helper, was arrested.
During the investigation, the alleged involvement of a Dial-112 police vehicle also came to light, leading to the arrest of police officer Heera Pandit and two drivers. The then Basopatti Station House Officer was subsequently suspended.
