Amid heightened political activity surrounding by-elections across two assembly seats in West Bengal, security agencies in Murshidabad district have intercepted a major consignment of counterfeit currency and illegal weapons. During a late-night vehicle inspection in the Hariharpada area, police stopped a suspicious white Bolero and conducted a thorough search. Officials recovered 108 fake Indian currency notes in the 500-rupee denomination, amounting to a total face value of 54,000 rupees. In addition to the counterfeit currency, officers seized two unauthorized firearms and four live cartridges, leading to the detention of the state secretary of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party along with a travelling companion.
Vehicle Interception at Garinama Checkpost
According to preliminary details provided by the police, security personnel were conducting an intensive checkpoint operation late Friday night in the Garinama locality under Hariharpada jurisdiction. Monitoring vehicular movement in the area, the police team flagged down a white Bolero on suspicion. A detailed physical inspection of the vehicle yielded a surprising cache. Officers discovered fake notes with a combined value of 54,000 rupees, all printed in ₹500 denominations, concealed inside the vehicle alongside two firearms and four live rounds of ammunition.
Detention of Humayun Kabir’s Party Functionary
Both occupants of the vehicle were immediately taken into custody and transported to Hariharpada police station for formal proceedings. The primary suspect was identified as a state-level office-bearer holding the post of state secretary within the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, a political outfit linked to Humayun Kabir. His associate who was present in the vehicle was also detained. Following the seizure, Murshidabad police registered a first information report and initiated detailed questioning of both individuals, causing significant political tremors across the district.
Probing Border Smuggling Links and Weapon Delivery
Counterfeit currency operations have historically posed a serious law enforcement challenge across West Bengal due to cross-border networks operating along areas bordering Bangladesh and Nepal. Investigators are now examining whether this specific cache of fake currency originated from syndicates active near the international frontier. Furthermore, detectives are working to uncover the exact destination and intended recipients of the two firearms and four cartridges, especially given the sensitive political atmosphere surrounding the ongoing by-elections in the state.
Police Expand Investigation into Broader Network
Murshidabad police officials confirmed that sustained interrogation of the two detained men is underway to trace the supply chain. Authorities are mapping the route used to procure the counterfeit cash as well as the individuals responsible for supplying the arms and ammunition. Law enforcement confirmed that based on the preliminary findings, additional individuals linked to this racket will be brought under scrutiny and face strict legal action in the coming days.
