STF arrests man with fake 500 notes at Dharmatala with face value of 3 lakhs

A man was arrested early this morning by the Kolkata Police Special Task Force (STF) after counterfeit currency worth ₹2.99 lakh was recovered from his possession at the Dharmatala bus stand. The counterfeit notes, all in ₹500 denominations, were found in six bundles hidden inside three bags. The individual had boarded a bus from North Bengal and was intercepted upon arrival at the bus stand.

The arrested person, identified as Manowar Sheikh (68), is a resident of Kaliachak, Malda. The STF had received specific intelligence regarding the transportation of counterfeit currency, prompting them to station a team at the Dharmatala bus stand. Upon the bus's arrival, STF officers surrounded the vehicle and conducted a thorough search of the passenger’s belongings. Sheikh had three bags—one kept with him inside the bus and two placed on the roof. After inspecting the bags, STF officers discovered the counterfeit ₹500 notes hidden within them.

The total value of the recovered counterfeit currency was ₹2.99 lakh, with each note being in the ₹500 denomination. The counterfeit notes were counted and documented by STF officials at the scene. Authorities are now investigating the source of the counterfeit money and any possible connections to larger counterfeit networks operating in the region.

Manowar Sheikh is the son of the late Baisuddin Sheikh, also known as Bishu, and resides in the village of Jadupur Taluktala, Kaliachak, Malda. A formal case has been registered against him under relevant sections for the possession and transportation of counterfeit currency. He is expected to be produced in court later today. The STF's investigation continues, focusing on identifying any accomplices and determining the source of the counterfeit notes.