Fake currency: NIA for further probe

Failing to trace the ‘kingpin’ in the fake Indian currency notes case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is planning to turn one of the accused as an approver to strengthen the case.


According to an investigation team official, the NIA has decided to approach the court with a plea to turn an accused in the case, V P Pradeep Kumar of Cheruthazham, Kannur, as an approver.



“The NIA filed a petition before the Special Court seeking permission in this regard. We have also submitted an application to record Pradeep’s statement before the court under Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 164.


If Pradeep discloses the modus operandi and the persons who are linked with the case before the magistrate, the investigation will gather momentum,” said the official. Pradeep had stated earlier that he had visited Dubai on August 10, 2011, for verifying the quality of counterfeit currencies. Second accused in the case, Kamal Haji, then visited Dubai and pumped in large quantities of counterfeit Indian currency with the help of his brother Aboobacker.


“The kingpin in the case is Aboobacker, who is still absconding,” the NIA official said.  Steps have been taken to issue the Red Corner notice against the accused through the Interpol. “The NIA has also approached the External Affairs Ministry seeking the revocation of the passport issued to Aboobacker, who is traced to be in Saudi Arabia. We will also  approach the court to declare the accused as a proclaimed offender in the case,” the official said.