Two alleged masterminds of a counterfeit currency racket were injured in police firing during a recovery operation in Assam’s Lakhimpur district late on Thursday after they allegedly attempted to escape from police custody.
The injured accused have been identified as Muksidul Alam and Matibur Rahman, both of whom are currently undergoing treatment. Two police personnel also sustained injuries during the incident, officials said.
Addressing a press conference, Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka said the district police had intensified its crackdown on counterfeit currency networks following the seizure of large quantities of fake notes and the arrest of several suspected traffickers over the past few days.
According to the SP, police have arrested 10 persons in connection with counterfeit currency smuggling in recent days. Of them, six were in police custody, one was in judicial custody, while three others had been taken by Guwahati Police for further investigation.
During interrogation, Muksidul Alam and Matibur Rahman allegedly disclosed that counterfeit currency had been hidden at a location in Balijan Balitika under Laluk Police Station. Acting on the information, a police team took both accused to the spot on Thursday night to recover the fake notes.
Police said that while travelling towards the location, Matibur Rahman requested permission to relieve himself near Naharbari Path at No. 2 Haribor. After officers removed his handcuffs, he allegedly assaulted a policeman and attempted to flee.
The officer-in-charge of Laluk Police Station reportedly fired a warning shot into the air and repeatedly asked the accused to stop. When he allegedly continued to escape, police opened fire at his leg to prevent his escape.
Amid the commotion, Muksidul Alam also allegedly tried to flee and was similarly shot in the leg by police, officials said.
Both injured accused were initially taken to Laluk Model Hospital before being shifted to Lakhimpur Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.
Police said the investigation into the counterfeit currency network is continuing.