Assam fake currency probe intensifies as two accused shot in Lakhimpur

Shillong, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: Two alleged counterfeit currency traders were injured in police firing in Assam's Lakhimpur district after they allegedly attempted to escape from custody while leading investigators to a suspected hideout containing fake currency notes.

The incident took place near Laluk when the accused, identified as Matibur Rahman and Maksidul Alam, were accompanying a police team to recover more counterfeit notes allegedly concealed at a house in the area. The police operation aimed to dismantle a network that has been operating in the region, notorious for its involvement in the circulation of counterfeit currency and other fraudulent activities.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Lakhimpur, Gunendra Deka said the duo attempted to flee while taking a toilet break during the operation. "The accused tried to escape from police custody while being taken for recovery of counterfeit currency. Despite warning shots, they continued to run, forcing police to open fire on their legs," Deka told the press on Friday. This use of force by police has raised questions about the protocols followed during such operations, especially regarding the treatment of suspects.

The injured accused were initially taken to Laluk Model Hospital and later shifted to Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Their condition remains under observation as authorities continue to investigate the broader implications of their alleged activities.

Matibur and Maksidul were among 10 persons arrested by Lakhimpur Police on July 7 from the Bangalmora area, long known for counterfeit currency and fake gold-related activities. The area has gained a reputation over the years for being a hub of illegal activities, prompting authorities to take a closer look at the operations there. Police had recovered fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 3 lakh during that operation, indicating the scale of the counterfeit currency problem in the region.

The latest development comes amid an intensified crackdown on an alleged counterfeit currency network operating from Bangalmora. The region's history with such criminal activities has necessitated a robust response from law enforcement, who have been under pressure to address the issue effectively.

On July 9, three more suspects, Hejbur Rahman, Mizanur Rahman, and Ekramul Islam, were arrested in connection with the same case. These arrests are part of a larger investigation that has seen a significant increase in the number of individuals detained in recent weeks, suggesting that law enforcement agencies are making headway in their efforts to dismantle these criminal networks.

The investigation gained momentum after the arrest of Ajay Viswakarma and Debajit Deori in Guwahati on July 8. Counterfeit currency worth Rs 2.56 lakh was recovered from their vehicle, further highlighting the extent of the counterfeit currency operations that have been taking place in Assam. Police sources said Viswakarma allegedly confessed to the circulation of fake currency worth nearly Rs 100 crore through an organized racket linked to Bangalmora, indicating the involvement of a larger network that has been operating undetected for some time.

Viswakarma himself was injured in police firing in Guwahati on July 9 while allegedly attempting to escape, demonstrating the high-stakes nature of these operations and the lengths to which individuals involved in counterfeit currency activities may go to avoid capture.

Police have since arrested alleged kingpin Ainul Haque, who is believed to be a central figure in the counterfeit currency syndicate. Investigators said his interrogation has revealed details about a larger counterfeit currency syndicate, known as the “Ambani Gang,” and its network operating across Assam. The emergence of a name like "Ambani Gang" suggests a level of organization and sophistication within these criminal operations that has not been previously acknowledged, raising concerns about the potential for widespread economic impact.

The crackdown follows another major seizure on June 29, when Lakhimpur Police recovered suspected Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) with a face value of Rs 33.59 lakh during a vehicle-checking operation at Dhalpur and arrested two persons. This seizure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating the counterfeit currency problem in Assam, as the sheer volume of fake currency in circulation poses a significant threat to the local economy.

Police officials said investigations are continuing to trace the source of the counterfeit notes and identify other members of the network. The complexity of these investigations is compounded by the need to coordinate with various law enforcement agencies, as counterfeit currency operations often span multiple regions and involve various criminal actors.

The Bangalmora region in Lakhimpur has for decades been associated with counterfeit currency and fake gold rackets, prompting repeated enforcement operations by law enforcement agencies. The historical context of these issues is essential for understanding the current situation, as the persistence of such activities suggests systemic problems that may require more than just law enforcement to address. Community engagement, economic development, and public awareness campaigns could play crucial roles in mitigating the factors that contribute to the prevalence of counterfeit currency operations.

The implications of these counterfeit currency operations extend beyond immediate economic concerns; they also raise questions about security, trust in the financial system, and the overall rule of law in the region. As investigations continue, the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat counterfeit currency, including enhanced law enforcement training and community outreach efforts, has never been more critical.

In conclusion, the situation in Lakhimpur regarding counterfeit currency remains dynamic and complex. With ongoing investigations, arrests, and a focus on dismantling organized networks, the authorities face significant challenges ahead. The community's response and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies will be pivotal in shaping the future landscape of this ongoing battle against counterfeit currency in Assam.