Siliguri, 16th April: In a significant verdict, the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ-2) Court in Siliguri convicted an accused in a fake currency case after a prolonged legal battle of 16 years.
According to reports, on 23rd April 2010, Matigara Police arrested Harishchandra Roy from the Shiv Mandir area with three counterfeit ₹1,000 notes. He was allegedly attempting to use the fake currency while making purchases in the local market.
The matter came to light when a sweet shop owner in Shiv Mandir grew suspicious during a transaction. Upon verification, the notes were found to be fake, prompting locals to alert the police. The accused was subsequently apprehended.
The investigation was conducted by police officer Dipanjan Das, who later filed the charge sheet. During the trial, the prosecution presented six witnesses and supporting evidence before the court.
Based on the testimonies and evidence, the ADJ-2 Court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to rigorous imprisonment of five years and three years under separate sections of the law.
Public Prosecutor Amitabh Mukherjee stated that the case was built solely on the recovery of three counterfeit notes. After a lengthy trial spanning 16 years, the verdict is being viewed as a strong deterrent against fake currency-related offences.