A Bangladeshi man was apprehended in Perumbavoor following the discovery of counterfeit currency in his possession, police reported on Thursday. Investigations revealed Selim Mondal had been residing illegally in India for 18 years.
Mondal, arrested initially for train theft, was found with 17 counterfeit Rs 500 notes during a search by Ernakulam Rural and Alappuzha Railway Police. Despite claiming to be from Murshidabad, West Bengal, he later confessed to his true identity under interrogation.
Authorities suspect Mondal distributed fake currency across India, employing a smuggling operation that included transporting counterfeit printing materials. He manipulated mobile phone IMEI numbers to avoid detection. Mondal also obtained a fraudulent Indian passport and Aadhaar, revealing a web of deceit extending to assisting arrested migrant workers.
(With inputs from agencies.)
