'Plug loopholes to curb fake currency circulation'

AKOLA: Alarm bells have already started sounding warnings with the rise in circulation of fake currency in the Indian markets. Though it may not cripple the economy as the authorities are vigilant, it may have a negative impact on the country if the inflow of fake currency continued, said to be mainly from the neighbouring Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Experts handling such cases say that loopholes in investigations needed to be plugged so that the accused bringing fake currency in the market would not go scot-free.Those associated with the investigation part said that the menace could be effectively checked if due care is taken.
Lawyer Pradeep Hatekar, who once defended Vishwambhar Ghodeswar, an accused in the fake currency case in Buldhana sessions court, opined that loopholes in investigation make it difficult to prove charges and lead to acquittals. Possession of fake currency and seizure of MAT 50 vehicle were not proved despite the fact that Nasik Security Press had confirmed it was counterfeit. Mere contradiction can acquit the accused, he said. Hatekar said he brought the loopholes to the notice of the judge and the main and other accused were acquitted on technical grounds. He said that the offence of circulating fake currency in the open market or through banks was anti-national.
Hatekar said that some fake notes were found at the house of Zira Pawrya, one of the accused, whose links reportedly extended to an influential politician in Jalgaon Khandesh, but it could not be proved.
Vilas Patil, police station officer at city Kotwali here, who is handling over a dozen cases of fake currency, said that no accused could walk free if there are no loose ends in investigations. He however said that though anti-national, it was difficult to completely stop circulation of fake currency. He said open borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh were complicating the problem. Giving an example, Patil said that the modus-operandi has changed with the entry of juveniles conflict with the law who circulate fake Indian currency in the market. These juveniles wear costly apparels, go to shops, make purchases and circulate fake currency in the denomination of Rs 100, 500 and 1,000. The juveniles, most of whom have poor financial background and are uneducated, come handy for elderly criminals who lure them with mobile telephone, watches, better food and clothes. The dream of becoming rich overnight drives them to commit the crime, Patil said.
He cited a recent crime in which all the juveniles were from West Bengal. But as per the Juvenile Protection Act, they could not be arrested and were sent to a remand home following a court order. Patil, who has been investigating over a dozen cases of circulation of fake currency notes under the guidance of district superintendent of police Virendra Mishra, said that hearing in one of them was in progress in a court and the verdict is likely to be announced next month.