Patna: A joint team of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Bihar Police recovered 176 suspected counterfeit currency notes with a face value of Rs88,000 from East Champaran late Thursday night and arrested two persons, officials said.The operation was conducted under the direction of 71st Battalion SSB commandant Prafull Kumar following information that suspected counterfeit currency was being transported from Motihari. A team led by sub-inspector Rishabh Singh Rawat was formed in coordination with Lakhoura police.The team set up a checkpoint on Motihari-Lakhoura main road and intercepted a motorcycle. The two riders were identified as Sheikh Noor Alam, 38, of Baswaria, and Mohammad Istekar, 35, of Mahuawa, both under Chiraiya police station area.In the presence of Motihari Sadar circle officer (CO) Sunil Kumar, police recovered 176 Rs500 notes from Noor Alam.The CO said the notes appeared suspicious during preliminary examination due to poor printing quality and identical serial numbers on several notes. “The final confirmation is awaited from the bank,” he said.Police said further action would be taken based on the verification of the seized currency.
