Sukma (Chhattisgarh): For the first time, an anti-Naxal operation has led Chhattisgarh Police to uncover a counterfeit note racket aimed at destabilising the local economy in the Maoist-infested Sukma district, media reported.

Extensive operations in the region have revealed that Maoists are using and circulating fake currency in local markets.

Police seized currency printers, ink, and notes of various denominations during a joint search operation by Sukma Police, the District Reserve Guard, and the CRPF in the Korajguda forests on Saturday, media reports said.

Sukma District police chief Kiran said that police have seized printers, ink, and counterfeit notes during a raid on a local Maoist camp.

According to media reports, since 2022, Maoists have adopted a new tactic of printing fake currency to address their cash shortages.

At least one member from each area committee was trained to produce counterfeit notes, which were then circulated in local markets and integrated into the cash system.

Maoists are known to buy supplies from weekly village markets, and their use of fake currency in these transactions could potentially destabilize the local economy.

To counter this, local administration and security forces are launching awareness campaigns in villages, urging residents to be vigilant and reject any suspicious currency.

Traders and hawkers, especially in remote areas, are being advised to thoroughly check notes before accepting them.