New Delhi :- In a significant development, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has convicted a woman named Vanitha, also known as ‘Thangam,’ in a high-profile fake currency case centered in Bengaluru. The case involves the smuggling of substantial quantities of top-quality counterfeit banknotes from Bangladesh into India through Karnataka. Vanitha becomes the sixth individual to be found guilty in connection with this illicit operation.
Vanitha has been sentenced to six years of imprisonment under Section 489B (using counterfeit currency notes as genuine) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), five years of imprisonment under Section 489C (possession of counterfeit currency notes) of the IPC, and two years of imprisonment under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC. Importantly, all these sentences will run concurrently, as announced by the NIA.
Additionally, the court has imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on Vanitha as part of her punishment. The case unfolded in 2018 when a joint operation between the Karnataka Police and the NIA led to the seizure of counterfeit currency notes with a face value of Rs 2.50 lakh from Vanitha. This operation followed the arrest of three other individuals in possession of counterfeit currency notes with a face value of Rs 4.34 lakh.
Originally, the case was registered by the Karnataka Police under various sections of the IPC, based on a complaint filed by an NIA officer in 2018. Subsequently, the NIA took over the investigation and initiated comprehensive surveillance and inquiries. These efforts culminated in exposing a sophisticated fake Indian currency notes (FICN) racket masterminded by the prime accused, Abdul Khadir.
Further investigations by the NIA revealed potential transactions involving counterfeit notes by three individuals within Bengaluru, adding another layer of complexity to this intricate case.
This conviction represents a significant milestone in the fight against counterfeit currency operations in the region, showcasing the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in India to curtail such illegal activities. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by counterfeit currency networks and the dedication of authorities to bring those involved to justice.
