Hazaribag: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) searched two houses at Baba Path in Hazaribag early Tuesday as part of a suspected counterfeit Indian currency investigation, sources said. The operation lasted nearly seven hours, with the agency seizing documents, mobile phones and electronic equipment for further examination.
The searches were conducted at the residences of Uday Saw and Pradeep Saw in Subhash Barla Gali, under Bara Bazar police station limits. A seven-member NIA team, accompanied by armed personnel and assisted by local police, reached the locality between 3 am and 4 am.
During the operation, security personnel cordoned off the houses and restricted the movement of residents and outsiders. Officials searched both premises extensively before taking the seized materials to Ranchi for examination.
Documents, Phones and Printer-like Device Seized
According to sources, the agency seized paper records, documents, mobile phones and a device resembling a printer or scanner during the searches. The materials are reportedly being examined to ascertain whether they have any connection with the suspected counterfeit currency network.
There were also claims that one person was taken away by the NIA team after the operation. However, the agency has not officially confirmed any detention or arrest. Speculation about possible links to money laundering or terror funding also surfaced following the searches. These claims, however, remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued regarding such connections.
Pradeep and Wife Deny Any Illegal Activity
Hours after the searches, Pradeep Saw and his wife denied involvement in counterfeit currency printing or any other illegal activity. “Officials searched every room and both floors of our house but found nothing suspicious,” Pradeep said.
He acknowledged his relationship with Uday Saw but described him as a distant relative who lived separately. The family claimed that they had been residing at the Baba Path house for the past three to four years. They also cited financial difficulties, including expenses related to their daughter’s marriage, and maintained that no criminal case was pending against them.
NIA Yet to Issue Official Statement
The NIA has not issued an official statement regarding Tuesday’s operation. The agency has also not confirmed the occupants’ alleged links to any counterfeit currency network or disclosed details of the investigation. Further developments are awaited as the seized materials undergo examination.
