Major Discovery In Chhattisgarh Operation: Maoists Printing And Using Fake Notes In Markets

An anti-Maoist operation in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, has uncovered a significant and potentially impactful discovery: equipment for printing counterfeit currency in Maoist camps. This discovery, a first for security forces, suggests that the extensive security measures in the area have disrupted the rebels' financial resources. However, the circulation of such counterfeit currency in local markets could lead to substantial economic issues.

The find was made during a collaborative search operation conducted by the Sukma Police, District Reserve Guard, and the CRPF in the Korajguda forests yesterday.

District police chief Kiran Chavan revealed that the search operation was initiated based on intelligence reports indicating that Maoists were printing counterfeit currency in the forest. Although the rebels managed to escape, security forces discovered currency printing machines, ink, templates, and fake notes in denominations of ₹50, ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500 at their hideout. Additionally, they seized several other items, including a gun, a wireless set, and a large quantity of explosives.

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"The manner in which they are printing notes suggests that the Naxalite organization is experiencing a money shortage. The ongoing operations in the interior regions have significantly cut their funding, leading them to resort to printing counterfeit currency," the senior officer stated.

Maoists, who typically purchase supplies from weekly village markets, could destabilize the local economy by using fake currency in these transactions. In response, local authorities and security forces are launching awareness campaigns in villages, urging residents to be vigilant and reject suspicious currency. Traders and hawkers, particularly those in remote areas, are being advised to carefully check notes before accepting them.

Sources indicate that since 2022, Maoists have adopted a new tactic to address their cash crunch by printing fake currency in Chhattisgarh. They trained at least one member from each area committee to produce counterfeit notes, which were then circulated in local markets, integrating into the cash system.

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