Silchar (Assam) [India], March 26 (HBTV): In a crackdown on counterfeiters, Assam Rifles apprehended an individual and seized fake Indian currency worth over INR 37 lakh in Assam's Silchar district on March 25.

The operation, initially launched based on intelligence regarding drug smuggling, led to the discovery of counterfeit currency in the possession of the suspect.

According to an official release: 'In a significant blow to counterfeiters, Assam Rifles seized fake Indian currency notes worth INR 37,28,500 in Rongpur, Silchar, Assam, on March 25.'

'The operation was launched based on intelligence on the smuggling of drugs. However, upon searching, the individual was found to be in possession of counterfeit currency. The seizure by Assam Rifles is a testament to the force's vigilance and dedication to maintaining law and order in the region,' the release stated.

It further mentioned that the operation is expected to have a significant deterrent effect and aid in preventing the circulation of fake currency.

Meanwhile, in a series of operations, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations under the Spear Corps conducted joint operations based on intelligence inputs in Manipur’s Kakching, Imphal West, Imphal East, Senapati, and Bishnupur districts, leading to the recovery of 32 weapons, ammunition, and other war-like stores, according to an official press release.

The operations, conducted between March 22 and 25 in coordination with the Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, resulted in multiple seizures.

On March 22, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered one improvised mortar, one .303 rifle, one modified carbine machine gun, two single-barrel rifles, ammunition, and war-like stores from Moltinchan in Kakching district. In Henbung, Senapati district, four bolt-action rifles were seized.

Two single-bore barrel rifles, two improvised mortars, ammunition, and war-like stores were recovered from Sagolmang in Imphal East district.

On March 23, the Indian Army recovered one INSAS rifle, one .303 rifle, and one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) from Phaikot in Senapati district. Additionally, Assam Rifles in Imphal East seized one 2-inch mortar and one .32 mm pistol.

On March 24, security forces recovered one .22 rifle, one 12-bore double-barrel rifle, four 51mm mortars, and one 9mm pistol in Imphal East.

The Army also recovered one AK-47, one 12-bore rifle, one .303 rifle, one double-barrel rifle, one modified rifle, and two improvised mortars from Dumpi in Bishnupur district on March 24.

The recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and legal action.

Earlier today, security forces conducted search operations in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts in Manipur.

During these operations, arms and ammunition were recovered from multiple locations. (ANI)