Fake currency racket busted; two held

Mangaluru: Acting on a tip-off, Punjalkatte police of Dakshina Kannada unearthed a fake currency operation near Pandavarakallu in Bantwal taluk, arresting two accused and seizing counterfeit notes and other items.According to police, complainant Rajesh KV, PSI (law & order), received credible information on Friday that two persons were in possession of counterfeit currency notes near Pandavarakallu, at Kuminadka in Badagakajekkaru village of Bantwal taluk. The accused were reportedly storing fake notes in a car, with the intention of circulating them for monetary gain. Based on the information, the police team, along with staff, reached the spot and conducted a raid. During the operation, they arrested two accused, Mohammed Sameer,28, and Mohammed Irfan,26, while another accused, Rasheed Kundadka, is currently absconding. Police seized five bundles of counterfeit Rs 500 notes amounting to Rs 2.4 lakh. Additionally, three mobile phones worth Rs 57,000 and the car used in the crime, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh, were also seized. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 8 lakh. A case has been registered at Punjalkatte police station, invoking Sections 179 and 180 along with Section 3(5) of the BNS.