In a decisive crackdown on counterfeit currency operations threatening India’s economy, the NIA special court in Visakhapatnam has sentenced seven accused to prison terms ranging from 7 to 10 years. This verdict in the 2015 Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) case underscores the agency’s relentless pursuit of networks smuggling high-quality fakes from across the border.
The convicts hail from Assam, West Bengal, and Karnataka, identified as Saddam Hussain from Barpeta, Rostam from Malda, Amirul Haq from Barpeta, Mohammad Hakim Sheikh from Malda, another Saddam Hussain from Bengaluru, Syed Imran from Mandya, and Mohammad Akbar Ali from Kamrup. Investigations revealed their involvement in a sophisticated racket channeling fake notes through the India-Bangladesh border into various parts of the country, aiming to destabilize financial security.
Saddam Hussain from Assam received the harshest penalty: 10 years under UAPA Section 16, plus a Rs 5,000 fine. He was nabbed at Visakhapatnam railway station in September 2015 with fake notes worth Rs 5,01,500 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Amirul Haq got 10 years under Section 18 with a similar fine, facing an extra year if unpaid. Rostam and the Bengaluru Saddam Hussain each drew 7 years under Section 20 and Rs 2,000 fines, with additional jail time for defaults.
Mohammad Hakim Sheikh was sentenced to 8 years under Section 18 and Rs 5,000 fine. Syed Imran, a repeat offender in another NIA FICN case, and Mohammad Akbar Ali also got 7 years each under Section 20. The court meticulously detailed each sentence, reflecting the gravity of their roles in this transnational conspiracy.
The case originated with DRI’s interception, taken over by NIA in December 2015. Charge sheets followed in 2016, 2018, and 2019. This ruling sends a powerful message against economic sabotage through fake currency, bolstering national defenses against such threats.