The RBI annual report shows a nuanced picture of counterfeiting in India. Even though there is a decrease in the total number of counterfeited notes for the third consecutive year, there has been a significant surge in the counterfeiting of Rs 500 notes.&nbsp;According to the report released on May 29, 2025, banks have detected 2,17,396 fake currency notes in FY 25, a decrease in number from 2,22,639 in FY24 and &nbsp;2,25,769 in FY23, implying the enhanced security features of the banknotes and increased vigilance in the banking sector.&nbsp;Notably, the troubling trend is the increase in counterfeit Rs 500 notes, which witnessed a year-over-year (y-o-y) growth of 37.3 per cent, with 1.18 lakh fake notes being detected in FY25, up from 85,711 detected in FY24. A similar trend was observed for Rs 200 notes, with a fake currency count of 32,660.A contrasting trend is seen for counterfeit Rs 2000 notes, with only 3,508 pieces compared to the 26,035 of last year, a total decrease of 86.5 per cent. A similar trend was observed for the counterfeit detection of the lower denominations, like Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 100.&nbsp;<h2>Why is it alarming</h2>This is alarming considering the distribution of denominations in the notes that are in circulation in the market. Rs500 constitutes 40.9 per cent of all the currency in circulation, and it accounts for 80.6 per cent of the total value of the market currencies. So this denomination is central to India's cash flow. Demonatisation which was announced in 2016 to cripple terror funding, counterfeiting and reduce black money in circulation, doesn't reflect in the data. The fake currency note of Rs 2000 did witness a decline, which is partly due to its gradual withdrawal from circulation. Security agencies have persistently established a link between counterfeiting and terrorism. In the early 2010s, Indian security agencies traced counterfeit notes to Pakistan ISI-backed printing facilities. This recent RBI report is counter to the government's narrative and raises major red flags.The central bank is responding to these challenges with increased vigilance. It has ceased printing of Rs 2, Rs 5 and Rs 2000 notes. It is also promoting the Indian digital rupee, with its value increased by 334 per cent in 2024-25.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RBI reports surge in counterfeit Rs 500 Notes amid overall decline in fake currency detection 

The RBI annual report shows a nuanced picture of counterfeiting in India. Even though there is a decrease in the total number of counterfeited notes for the third consecutive year, there has been a significant surge in the counterfeiting of Rs 500 notes. According to the report released on May 29, 2025, banks have detected 2,17,396 fake currency notes in FY 25, a decrease in number from 2,22,639 in FY24 and 2,25,769 in FY23, implying the enhanced security features of the banknotes and increased vigilance in the banking sector. Notably, the troubling trend is the increase in counterfeit Rs 500 notes, which witnessed a year-over-year (y-o-y) growth of 37.3 per cent, with 1.18 lakh fake notes being detected in FY25, up from 85,711 detected in FY24. A similar trend was observed for Rs 200 notes, with a fake currency count of 32,660. A contrasting trend is seen for counterfeit Rs 2000 notes, with only 3,508 pieces compared to the 26,035 of last year, a total decrease of 86.5 per cent. A similar trend was observed for the counterfeit detection of the lower denominations, like Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 100. Why is it alarming This is alarming considering the distribution of denominations in the notes that are in circulation in the market. Rs500 constitutes 40.9 per cent of all the currency in circulation, and it accounts for 80.6 per cent of the total value of the market currencies. So this denomination is central to India's cash flow. Demonatisation which was announced in 2016 to cripple terror funding, counterfeiting and reduce black money in circulation, doesn't reflect in the data. The fake currency note of Rs 2000 did witness a decline, which is partly due to its gradual withdrawal from circulation. Security agencies have persistently established a link between counterfeiting and terrorism. In the early 2010s, Indian security agencies traced counterfeit notes to Pakistan ISI-backed printing facilities. This recent RBI report is counter to the government's narrative and raises major red flags. The central bank is responding to these challenges with increased vigilance. It has ceased printing of Rs 2, Rs 5 and Rs 2000 notes. It is also promoting the Indian digital rupee, with its value increased by 334 per cent in 2024-25.

RBI reports surge in counterfeit Rs 500 Notes amid overall decline in fake currency detection&nbsp;

RBI flags increase in counterfeits of high value denomination

Police on Sunday busted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fake-currency-notes-printing-unit-busted-one-held-in-tamil-nadu-141749">fake currency printing unit</a> in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested.

The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith. The&nbsp;arrested woman is Ranjith's wife. 
 
Fake currency amounting to Rs 14 lakh in Rs 100, 200, 500 and 2000 denominations have been seized by police from the accused. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

Police on Sunday busted a fake currency printing unit in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith.

Police on Sunday busted a fake currency printing unit in Idigarai in Coimbatore. Five persons including a woman have been arrested. The accused have been identified as Boopathy, Dhanraj, Praveen Kumar and Ranjith. The arrested woman is Ranjith's wife. Fake currency amounting to Rs 14 lakh in Rs 100, 200, 500 and 2000 denominations have been seized by police from the accused. Further investigation is underway.

Counterfeit currency unit busted in Coimbatore, five held

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu &amp; Kashmir (J&amp;K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&amp;K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&amp;K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&amp;K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&amp;K’s &nbsp;special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&amp;K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February &nbsp;22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&amp;K belonged to India.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&amp;K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions.

The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. &nbsp;

Apprehension that a big terror attack in &nbsp;Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag.&nbsp;

The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages.

While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights.

This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high.

Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency.

Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-jk-pakistan-s-next-steps-2789585">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan.

Given the speed and alacrity with which Pakistan has moved after August 5, 2019, the day the constitutional and administrative decisions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) were taken by the Indian government, proves the dismay caused in Pakistan. As long as a special status existed for J&K, separatism was a live phenomenon. The Pakistani narrative has seen much traction in Kashmir because it was against India, although, it hardly supported the core Kashmiri intent of Azadi. The Indian argument that history had overtaken the UN resolutions on J&K and these were now void flew in the face of the special status India continued to accord to J&K, leaving it as a territory whose status had yet to be settled. However, the abrogation of J&K’s special status and its down gradation to a union territory put a spoke into Pakistan’s larger game plan because India put the stamp of integrated Indian territory on J&K. 25 years ago through another bold action India had passed an All Party Joint Parliamentary Resolution on February 22, 1994, declaring that the entire territory held by the then Maharaja of J&K belonged to India. The Pakistan Army along with the other elements of the deep state know that time is not on their side and that India’s new approach to countering the proxy hybrid conflict could get more effective by the day. As it is the three track strategy of instigating internal turbulence through established networks, external castigation of India by influential members of the international community including institutions, and enhancing alienation using its usually very effective communication strategy, has thus far all come cropper. However, Pakistan’s strategic thinkers would also be closely monitoring the situation within J&K and re-strategising based upon some assumptions. The start point is the projection by Pakistan that the Kashmiri population has not accepted the Indian government’s decisions. For that there is a need for the world to see that their is violence and mayhem on the streets. By itself that may be insufficient although Pakistan would be happy to see some casualties; in 2016 by contrast 40 or more people had lost their lives in four weeks of agitation; this time it’s just one. The agitation mode is subject to will and stamina and needs much effort at mobilisation. The communication lock down has effectively denied a toehold in this sphere. A series of supplementary violent acts by terrorists against the Army and Police organisations sustains longer than agitation. Hence the need for increasing the strength of terrorists. Local recruitment under current and foreseeable future circumstances will be difficult especially under high levels of army and police deployment and surveillance. Gulmarg and its vicinity has been devoid of infiltration for sometime. Suddenly a surge of activity is taking place there. The Haji Pir bulge is a suitable launch pad and the routes lead directly into South Kashmir where the fulcrum of the current resistance exists. It is also likely that Pakistan will use other less frequented routes and cater for high level levels of attrition that could result from encounters with the Indian Army; this has long been JuD chief Hafiz Sayeed’s strategy. It’s a situation very akin to 1991-92 when foreign terrorists were first used in Kashmir to boost militancy. Apprehension that a big terror attack in Southern or Central India is in the offing could prove right too. With the Islamic State (IS) terror attacks in Sri Lanka on April 2019 the scope for execution and denial by Pakistan has increased manifold. Tactical alliance between terror groups for temporary mutual gain is also not unknown; the ISI garnering services of the IS thus remains plausible. Pakistan’s international focus will remain the projection of the idea of ‘false flag’ in relation to a high profile terror attack, mostly involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) anywhere in Kashmir’s hinterland or in rest of India. India has worked insufficiently on this till date and its diplomatic campaigns must include nailing the Pakistani lie on false flag. The adoption of offensive information and psychological warfare awaits the lifting of the communication lockdown of Kashmir. Mobile internet facility being denied in Kashmir has been frowned upon by Indian intelligentsia and international clamour to restore this ‘human right’ has been increasing. Pakistan’s propaganda machinery awaits the full lifting of the lockdown to flood the networks of social media with enough seditious literature and messages. While Indian counters to this have been developing these are yet insufficient; this is where the focus of Delhi’s efforts must lie forthrightly and boldly citing national security and adopting a balanced attitude towards human rights. This is the other issue on which the UNHRC will not remain the last bastion of Pakistan’s focus of painting Indian human rights record in different colours. We should remain alert to continuing our efforts to counter Pakistan’s propaganda in international think tanks and the high profile media where Pakistani traction continues to remain high. Pakistan will find that the partial and progressive success of Indian agencies in taking control of financial networks will largely block its ability to mobilise support and run terror activities. It’s strategy is once again likely to shift towards fake currency and funding from within India. This is where other borders such as along Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are likely to be activated for induction of fake currency. Lastly, the diplomatic support to India and relatively cool attitude towards Pakistan on the part of GCC countries is likely to peeve Pakistan no end leading to renewed efforts by it to cultivate negative opinion on India in these important nations. The media in these countries is important too and it’s opinion makes international opinion in the Islamic world. India’s engagement with the GCC media too is warranted even as all eyes now await 27 September the day the UN General Assembly. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

J&K: Pakistan's next steps

A counterfeit currency note printing unit was unearthed here on Saturday and 6,000 fake notes with a face value of Rs 1 crore were seized while one person was arrested in this connection, police said.

During a vehicle check early Saturday, a youth was found carrying a large number of Rs 2,000 notes on his two-wheeler, they said.

The notes seized were to the tune of Rs 83 lakh, they added.

Based on the confession made by the accused, police searched a house in Velandipalayam in the city outskirts and seized more fake notes, meant for circulation, with a face value of around Rs 20 lakh, police said.

Besides, a computer, printer and a cutting machine were recovered, they said adding further investigations are on.

The notes seized were to the tune of Rs 83 lakh

A counterfeit currency note printing unit was unearthed here on Saturday and 6,000 fake notes with a face value of Rs 1 crore were seized while one person was arrested in this connection, police said. During a vehicle check early Saturday, a youth was found carrying a large number of Rs 2,000 notes on his two-wheeler, they said. The notes seized were to the tune of Rs 83 lakh, they added. Based on the confession made by the accused, police searched a house in Velandipalayam in the city outskirts and seized more fake notes, meant for circulation, with a face value of around Rs 20 lakh, police said. Besides, a computer, printer and a cutting machine were recovered, they said adding further investigations are on.

Fake currency notes printing unit busted, one held in Tamil Nadu

Altogether Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of face value 21.54 crore was seized by security agencies after demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

Union minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said the seized FICN include new Rs 2,000, Rs 500, Rs 200 notes and Rs 100 notes.

Replying to a written question, Ahir said 39,604 fake notes of Rs 2,000 denomination and 74,155 fake notes of Rs 500 denomination were seized by security forces between November 9, 2016 and December 31, 2017.

He said the ministries of home and finance, Reserve Bank of India, security and intelligence agencies of the Centre and states are working in coordination to prevent the illegal activities related to FICN.

&quot;Information received from security and intelligence agencies indicates that Pakistan has been involved in manufacturing and smuggling of FICN into India.

&quot;However, as per the available information, no instance of seizure of Pakistan printed high quality fake Indian currency notes has come to notice post demonetisation,&quot; he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8, 2016.

Union minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said the seized FICN include new Rs 2,000, Rs 500, Rs 200 notes and Rs 100 notes

Altogether Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of face value 21.54 crore was seized by security agencies after demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Union minister of state for home Hansraj Ahir said the seized FICN include new Rs 2,000, Rs 500, Rs 200 notes and Rs 100 notes. Replying to a written question, Ahir said 39,604 fake notes of Rs 2,000 denomination and 74,155 fake notes of Rs 500 denomination were seized by security forces between November 9, 2016 and December 31, 2017. He said the ministries of home and finance, Reserve Bank of India, security and intelligence agencies of the Centre and states are working in coordination to prevent the illegal activities related to FICN. "Information received from security and intelligence agencies indicates that Pakistan has been involved in manufacturing and smuggling of FICN into India. "However, as per the available information, no instance of seizure of Pakistan printed high quality fake Indian currency notes has come to notice post demonetisation," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8, 2016.

Rs 21.54 cr in fake notes seized post demonetisation: Government

On 8th November 2016, when the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes, the whole country was put in a state of shock. The move which caused great inconvenience to more than a billion citizens of the country was, however, hailed as a crusade against the black economy. The supporters of demonetisation argued that it would significantly impact the amount of fake currency in circulation within India. But if it actually stopped the circulation of counterfeit currency remains a question.

According to the recent figures, which the government presented in the Lok Sabha, a counterfeit currency of more than INR 93 million was seized in the period following demonetisation over the period between 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2017. In the period of 9 months before demonetisation, from 1st January 2016 to 30th September 2016, the counterfeit currency of around similar value was seized.

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Fake money seized before and after demonetisation (WION)
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Which fake currency is being seized the most?

Fake notes of all denominations were seized post-demonetisation, including Rs. 2000 notes. Around 11,000 fake notes of Rs. 2000 were seized in the first six months of 2017, amounting to more than Rs. 22 million. It is surprising that so many thousands of 2000 bills got seized, particularly because it was stated that the new currency is so meticulously printed that it could not be faked. Apart from the 500 notes, around 42,000 counterfeit currency of Rs. 500 were taken into custody. On account of all these seizures, 145 people were accused.

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Fake notes post demonetisation (WION)
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Which are the top States of Seizure?

In the post-demonetisation phase, 5 states in India have been the prime source of all these seizures. Of the total value of counterfeit currency seized from all over India, more than 96 per cent came from these states. Moreover, Delhi has been the hub of the seizures in the country where counterfeit notes of more than Rs 62 million were taken into custody in the first 6 months of 2017. Gujarat stood second on the list with seizures worth Rs. 15.61 million in 2017.

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States with maximum amount seized (WION)
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Counterfeit currency which managed to enter Banking Channels:

The most alarming fact is, where the value of counterfeit currency seized is so large, fake notes of much higher value are being circulated through the banking channels. As per data provided by Reserve Bank of India, in the first six months of 2016, Rs 150 million of fake currency went through the banking system of the country. The circulation has been on a rise since 2013, and there was an increase of 16 per cent in 2015 as compared to 2013. Though the data for the post-demonetisation period was unavailable, the seizure data is enough to indicate that there would have been no significant fall in circulation of counterfeit currency in the banking channels. Thus, the concerned government agencies need to put in an extra effort to ensure that demonetisation is successfully putting an end to the circulation of fake notes in India.

&nbsp;

In the first six months of 2016, Rs 150 million of fake currency went through the banking system of the country, says RBI

On 8th November 2016, when the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes, the whole country was put in a state of shock. The move which caused great inconvenience to more than a billion citizens of the country was, however, hailed as a crusade against the black economy. The supporters of demonetisation argued that it would significantly impact the amount of fake currency in circulation within India. But if it actually stopped the circulation of counterfeit currency remains a question. According to the recent figures, which the government presented in the Lok Sabha, a counterfeit currency of more than INR 93 million was seized in the period following demonetisation over the period between 1st January 2017 to 30th June 2017. In the period of 9 months before demonetisation, from 1st January 2016 to 30th September 2016, the counterfeit currency of around similar value was seized. Fake money seized before and after demonetisation (WION) × Which fake currency is being seized the most? Fake notes of all denominations were seized post-demonetisation, including Rs. 2000 notes. Around 11,000 fake notes of Rs. 2000 were seized in the first six months of 2017, amounting to more than Rs. 22 million. It is surprising that so many thousands of 2000 bills got seized, particularly because it was stated that the new currency is so meticulously printed that it could not be faked. Apart from the 500 notes, around 42,000 counterfeit currency of Rs. 500 were taken into custody. On account of all these seizures, 145 people were accused. Fake notes post demonetisation (WION) × Which are the top States of Seizure? In the post-demonetisation phase, 5 states in India have been the prime source of all these seizures. Of the total value of counterfeit currency seized from all over India, more than 96 per cent came from these states. Moreover, Delhi has been the hub of the seizures in the country where counterfeit notes of more than Rs 62 million were taken into custody in the first 6 months of 2017. Gujarat stood second on the list with seizures worth Rs. 15.61 million in 2017. States with maximum amount seized (WION) × Counterfeit currency which managed to enter Banking Channels: The most alarming fact is, where the value of counterfeit currency seized is so large, fake notes of much higher value are being circulated through the banking channels. As per data provided by Reserve Bank of India, in the first six months of 2016, Rs 150 million of fake currency went through the banking system of the country. The circulation has been on a rise since 2013, and there was an increase of 16 per cent in 2015 as compared to 2013. Though the data for the post-demonetisation period was unavailable, the seizure data is enough to indicate that there would have been no significant fall in circulation of counterfeit currency in the banking channels. Thus, the concerned government agencies need to put in an extra effort to ensure that demonetisation is successfully putting an end to the circulation of fake notes in India.

Indian banks are being used to circulate fake notes in the country

To check counterfeiting, the government plans to change security features of higher denomination banknotes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 every three to four years in accordance with global standards. The move comes in the wake of recovery of a large amount of fake Indian currency notes in last four months after demonetisation.

The issue was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting on Thursday attended by senior officials of the ministries of finance and home, including Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi.

Advocating the move, Home Ministry officials said most of the developed countries change security features of their currency notes every three to four years and therefore, it is absolutely necessary for India to follow this policy.

The change in design of Indian currency notes of higher denominations was long due. Till its demonetisation, there had been no major change in the Rs 1,000 note since its introduction in 2000. Changes in the old Rs 500 note, which was launched in 1987, were carried out more than a decade ago.

The newly-introduced notes had no additional security features and were similar to those in the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, officials said.

A close look by the investigators on some of the recently seized fake notes found that at least 11 of the 17 security features in the new Rs 2,000 notes had been replicated.

These included the transparent area, watermark, Ashoka Pillar emblem, the letters Rs 2000 on the left, the guarantee clause with the Reserve Bank of India Governors signature and the denomination number in Devanagari on the front, officials said.

Besides, the motif of Chandrayaan, the Swachh Bharat logo and the year of printing had been copied on the reverse side.&nbsp;

Although the print and paper quality of the seized counterfeits was poor, they resembled genuine notes.

The officials said the change of security features of currency notes in every three to four years will lead to curbing of counterfeiting to a great extent.

Those who were arrested recently along with fake notes with face value of Rs 2,000 have told investigators that the notes were printed in Pakistan with the help of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and had been smuggled into the country through Bangladesh, the officials claimed.

A study conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, in 2016 pegged the value of fake Indian currency notes in circulation at Rs 400 crore.

(PTI)

The government will change security features of higher denomination banknotes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 every 3 to 4 years

To check counterfeiting, the government plans to change security features of higher denomination banknotes of Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 every three to four years in accordance with global standards. The move comes in the wake of recovery of a large amount of fake Indian currency notes in last four months after demonetisation. The issue was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting on Thursday attended by senior officials of the ministries of finance and home, including Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi. Advocating the move, Home Ministry officials said most of the developed countries change security features of their currency notes every three to four years and therefore, it is absolutely necessary for India to follow this policy. The change in design of Indian currency notes of higher denominations was long due. Till its demonetisation, there had been no major change in the Rs 1,000 note since its introduction in 2000. Changes in the old Rs 500 note, which was launched in 1987, were carried out more than a decade ago. The newly-introduced notes had no additional security features and were similar to those in the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, officials said. A close look by the investigators on some of the recently seized fake notes found that at least 11 of the 17 security features in the new Rs 2,000 notes had been replicated. These included the transparent area, watermark, Ashoka Pillar emblem, the letters Rs 2000 on the left, the guarantee clause with the Reserve Bank of India Governors signature and the denomination number in Devanagari on the front, officials said. Besides, the motif of Chandrayaan, the Swachh Bharat logo and the year of printing had been copied on the reverse side. Although the print and paper quality of the seized counterfeits was poor, they resembled genuine notes. The officials said the change of security features of currency notes in every three to four years will lead to curbing of counterfeiting to a great extent. Those who were arrested recently along with fake notes with face value of Rs 2,000 have told investigators that the notes were printed in Pakistan with the help of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and had been smuggled into the country through Bangladesh, the officials claimed. A study conducted by the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, in 2016 pegged the value of fake Indian currency notes in circulation at Rs 400 crore. (PTI)

Indian govt to change security features of banknotes every few years to combat fake currency

Two persons have been arrested for allegedly printing counterfeit notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2000 denominations and circulating them in weekly markets in South West Delhi, with police seizing fake notes of the face value of Rs six lakhs from them.

The team probing the matter found that a syndicate, operating in Uttam Nagar, Dwarka among others, is involved in printing and circulating fake currency in the market to hamper country&#39;s economy, District Commissioner of Police (South West) Surender Kumar said.

Several incidents of circulation of fake Indian currency notes have come to light in localities of the capital including Dwarka and Uttam Nagar after the Indian government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on November 8.

On January 9, acting on a tip-off that two persons in possession of fake currency notes were trading it at 50 per cent of the amount, a constable was deployed as a decoy customer, who along with a shadow witness, struck the deal with the accused persons.

&quot;A trap was laid near Shamshan Ghat, Kiran Garden, Bindapur and at about 4 pm, accused persons Ashish (23) and Krishan Bhardwaj (25) arrived there and each handed over fake notes of the face value of Rs 4000 to the constable and received Rs 2000 from him,&quot; said the officer.

The raiding party arrested both the accused, he said.

&quot;During investigation, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 denomination of the face value of Rs 6,10,500 were seized from them. Computer and printing equipments used for printing the notes were also seized from their possession,&quot; said the officer.

The mastermind of the fake currency racket has been identified as Ashish, a mobile phone technician and Krishan.

The duo printed the fake notes with the help of high quality scanner and printer and used to circulate it in the weekly markets. They had even lent money to their friends, asking them to pay half of the amount, he said.

&quot;The duo came in contact around two years back and conspired to print fake currency, initially of Rs 100 and circulated it. A dispute arose on the issue of distribution of earned money and both parted ways,&quot; the officer said, adding they later patched up.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

The accused were allegedly printing counterfeit notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2000 denominations and circulating them in weekly markets

Two persons have been arrested for allegedly printing counterfeit notes of Rs 500 and Rs 2000 denominations and circulating them in weekly markets in South West Delhi, with police seizing fake notes of the face value of Rs six lakhs from them. The team probing the matter found that a syndicate, operating in Uttam Nagar, Dwarka among others, is involved in printing and circulating fake currency in the market to hamper country's economy, District Commissioner of Police (South West) Surender Kumar said. Several incidents of circulation of fake Indian currency notes have come to light in localities of the capital including Dwarka and Uttam Nagar after the Indian government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes on November 8. On January 9, acting on a tip-off that two persons in possession of fake currency notes were trading it at 50 per cent of the amount, a constable was deployed as a decoy customer, who along with a shadow witness, struck the deal with the accused persons. "A trap was laid near Shamshan Ghat, Kiran Garden, Bindapur and at about 4 pm, accused persons Ashish (23) and Krishan Bhardwaj (25) arrived there and each handed over fake notes of the face value of Rs 4000 to the constable and received Rs 2000 from him," said the officer. The raiding party arrested both the accused, he said. "During investigation, Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) of Rs 2000 and Rs 500 denomination of the face value of Rs 6,10,500 were seized from them. Computer and printing equipments used for printing the notes were also seized from their possession," said the officer. The mastermind of the fake currency racket has been identified as Ashish, a mobile phone technician and Krishan. The duo printed the fake notes with the help of high quality scanner and printer and used to circulate it in the weekly markets. They had even lent money to their friends, asking them to pay half of the amount, he said. "The duo came in contact around two years back and conspired to print fake currency, initially of Rs 100 and circulated it. A dispute arose on the issue of distribution of earned money and both parted ways," the officer said, adding they later patched up. (PTI)

Demonetisation: 2 arrested for printing, circulating fake notes in India capital

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