Kolkata, 13 October (H.S.) : Police recovered over Rs 1 lakh in fake currency notes following a search of a four-wheeler in the Baje Pratappur area under the Burdwan police station limits on Monday night. Three individuals, including a woman, were arrested in connection with the incident. All the recovered counterfeit notes were in denominations of Rs 500.

According to local sources, Sheikh Lalan, a resident of the Aludanga Mathpara area in Burdwan town, had rented a car from one Sheikh Atabul for Rs 2,000 to travel to Bhatar. On Monday, Lalan and his wife, Jasmina Bibi, set off for their destination. En route, another individual, identified as Toton Sheikh, boarded the vehicle.

Upon returning from Bhatar, the suspects paid the Rs 2,000 fare to Atabul using four 500-rupee notes. Suspecting the authenticity of the currency handed to him, the vehicle owner immediately alerted the police.

Acting on the information, a police team arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough search of the vehicle. Officers recovered 200 fake 500-rupee notes concealed in a bag inside the car. Following the discovery, police formally arrested Sheikh Lalan, his wife Jasmina, and Toton Sheikh.

A detailed investigation has been initiated to trace the origin of the counterfeit currency. Investigating officers are currently questioning the accused to ascertain where they procured the substantial amount of fake notes and whether a larger organized racket or additional accomplices are operating behind the scenes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh