Karimganj (Assam) [India], June 15 (HBTV): Assam police have arrested six people, including two bank officials, who were allegedly involved in illegally exchanging old INR 2,000 denomination notes in Karimganj district.  

The persons apprehended on Friday were identified as Rakibul Hassan from Barpeta district; Dipjyoti Bezbaruah from Nalbari district; Anwar Hussain Laskar from Hailakandi district; Mohammad Shariful Alam Khan; and Jasraj Deka (Branch Manager of Canara Bank, Hailakandi branch) and the loan manager of the bank branch. 

According to sources, the Karimganj district police received information that individuals from outside Karimganj district were planning to conduct a clandestine exchange involving large quantities of Indian currency notes of INR 2,000 denomination at Ratabari Bazar.  

Pratap Das, additional superintendent of Police of Karimganj district said it was reported one party intended to exchange INR 2000 notes for INR 500 notes. 

Pratap Das said an operation was conducted to apprehend the individuals to uncover their true motives behind the exchange of INR 2000 notes at a time when the Government of India has suspended such exchanges. During the operation, the authorities apprehended a total of six people travelling in two vehicles, the official said.

Das said two vehicles were seized while a third vehicle carrying three individuals purportedly transporting INR 2000 notes managed to escape.  

The official said: ‘Furthermore, a cash amount of INR 50 lakh in INR 500 denomination was seized from a car, which was occupied by the branch manager, a staff member of Canara Bank, Hailakandi Branch; and a driver. Four people were in another vehicle. Meanwhile, a vehicle carrying three individuals purportedly transporting INR 2000 notes managed to escape from the scene. Upon interrogation, it was revealed that the manager and a staff member from Canara Bank, Hailakandi Branch, brought INR 50 lakh in INR 500 denomination for the exchange with old INR 2000 notes.’ 

Das added that the apprehended persons confessed to engaging in the exchange deal.

"The apprehended persons confessed to engaging in the exchange deal with nefarious intent. The Canara Bank manager and staff acknowledged their involvement in exchanging INR 500 notes for INR 2000 notes to profit 25 per cent per INR 100." 

A case has been registered and the arrested persons were produced before a local court in Karimganj on Friday.    

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.