Kochi: One convicted in fake Indian currency case

KOCHI: A special court in Kochi on Friday has exonerated three persons in connection with the sensational Nedumbassery Fake Indian Currency case (FICN) while the first accused was found guilty. Aftab Bhatki, suspected to be henchman of Dawood Ibrahim and the mastermind of the racket is still absconding.

The case originated with the seizure of 1,950 FICN of Rs 500 denominations, from a native of Malappuram by customs officials at the Cochin International Airport on January 26, 2013. The seized currency was suspected to be printed in Pakistan.

The special court convicted Abid Chullikula-van a native of Neelanc-hery, Malappuram the carrier of the currency while Mohammad Hane-efa, Abdul Salam alias Podi Sala and Antony Das were exonerated. Kunju-mohammed alias Kunju-tty a native of Manjeri became an approver in the case.

The sentence against Abid will be pronounced on Saturday after hearing the counsels.