Muzaffarpur. A major case of high quality fake notes being transported to the Indian markets through the Nepal border in Bihar has come to light. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the fake note smuggling network operating in various districts of North Bihar. Investigation has revealed the use of fake notes of OSS series of Rs 500 and 6FK series of Rs 100. It is feared that these fake notes are being brought to Bihar via Nepal and then consumed in the local markets. The quality of the seized notes is said to be very good, due to which it is feared that they may be printed in Pakistan. However, where the notes were printed has not been officially confirmed yet. The investigating agencies also suspect that this network of fake currency is being used in smuggling of charas and illegal transactions. Considering the seriousness of the matter, NIA is busy gathering information about the network of smugglers and people involved in the supply of fake notes.
According to the information, investigation agencies have become alert after the possibility of consignment of fake notes reaching many districts of North Bihar adjacent to Nepal. Notes of suspicious series are being searched especially in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi and Muzaffarpur. It is suspected that smugglers have tried to introduce these notes into circulation through small traders and retail markets.
In this entire case, the name of Madhubani’s alleged fake note smuggler Heera Mahaseth alias Chachi has come to light. The role of people associated with his network is being investigated in the investigation. According to NIA official records, on August 2, 2026, Basopatti police station in Madhubani district received information that Bharat Mahaseth, Heera Mahaseth alias Chachi and Shiv Kumar Raut alias Mehman were allegedly involved in bringing fake Indian currency from Nepal, storing it and circulating it in the market.
Acting on the basis of this information, Sashastra Seema Bal and Bihar STF arrested Bharat Mahaseth and Shiv Kumar alias Mehman. On the basis of interrogation of both and the recovered material, it has been claimed that information about a large network of fake notes has come to light. Later the investigation of the case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency.
During the operation, 57 fake notes of OSS series of Rs 500 were recovered from the arrested accused. Their total face value was Rs 28,500. Apart from this, 110 fake notes of 6FK series of Rs 100 were also seized, whose face value was Rs 11 thousand. In this way, a total of 167 fake notes of both the series were recovered, whose total face value was Rs 39,500.
Investigation revealed that the seized fake notes were of better quality than normal counterfeit notes. Their paper, printing and design are said to be very similar to the real currency. For this reason it may be difficult to identify them during normal transactions. However, the investigating agencies are trying to find out the actual printing technique and source of these notes.
NIA suspects that apart from the recovered notes, other similar fake currencies have already been delivered to the markets of Bihar. The investigating agency is now trying to find out through whom these notes were distributed and in which areas they were used.
This issue of fake notes is not being considered limited to economic crime only. According to details related to the investigation, some smugglers involved in the business of counterfeit currency are also suspected to be linked to illegal smuggling of hashish. Possible links between the network supplying charas from Nepal to India and the trade in fake currency are being investigated.
It is being told that the alleged network associated with Heera Mahaseth alias Chachi is also suspected to be involved in drug smuggling along with fake currency. The investigating agencies are trying to find out whether the fake notes were used to purchase charas or in payments related to its illegal trade. These allegations can be confirmed only after the investigation is completed.
In this case, NIA had also conducted a raid against the related network in Madhubani on September 15. During this time, the investigating agency tried to collect possible evidence related to smuggling of fake notes. The agency suspects that the network may not be limited to Bihar only, but may have contacts in other states as well.
Due to Bihar’s long international border with Nepal, security agencies face the challenge of stopping smuggling. Trade activities and movement of people take place on both sides of the border. In such a situation, constant monitoring is required to prevent smuggling of illegal currency and banned substances.
The biggest concern in cases of counterfeit notes is that fake currency can get involved in normal economic activities. Small shopkeepers, vegetable vendors, petrol pump operators and other businessmen may unknowingly accept fake notes while carrying out cash transactions. Due to this they may have to suffer financial loss.
According to experts, merely looking at the series of notes is not enough to identify fake currency. It is also necessary to verify the security features prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India, such as watermark, security thread, raised printing and other identification marks. Original notes of the same series may also be in circulation. Therefore, a note cannot be called fake merely on the basis of being OSS or 6FK series.
Regarding this matter, an appeal has been made to the people at the local level to inform the concerned bank or the nearest police station if they find suspicious notes. Citizens can also avail cash transactions
