End of a 16-Year Trial: Siliguri Police Secure Conviction in 2010 Counterfeit Note Case
Siliguri, April 17, 2026 — Sixteen years after a major crackdown on Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) in the Matigara area, the wheels of justice have finally completed their course. The Hon’ble Additional District Judge, 2nd Court, Siliguri, delivered its final judgment on Thursday, sentencing the accused to rigorous imprisonment.
Sharing the legal victory on social media, the Siliguri Police Commissionerate confirmed the conviction of Harish Chandra Roy, marking the end of a trial that began over a decade and a half ago.
The 2010 Arrest and Investigation
The origins of the case (Matigara P.S. Case No. 101/2010) date back to April 23, 2010. A formal police complaint was registered against Harish Chandra Roy for the illegal possession and circulation of counterfeit Indian currency notes in the local market.
The case was assigned to Sub-Inspector (S.I.) Dipanjan Das of the Matigara Police Station. According to the police statement, S.I. Das conducted a thorough and meticulous investigation, successfully tracking down the accused, executing the arrest, and making a crucial seizure of the counterfeit notes. The airtight chargesheet filed by the investigating officer laid the foundation for the subsequent trial under Sections 489B and 489C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Court’s Verdict and Sentencing
After years of legal proceedings and witness examinations, the Ld. Additional District Judge, 2nd Court, pronounced Harish Chandra Roy guilty on April 16, 2026.
The court handed down two distinct sentences for his crimes:
Under Section 489B of the IPC (Using forged or counterfeit currency notes as genuine): Roy has been sentenced to 5 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a monetary fine of ₹2,000. If the convict fails to pay the fine, he will have to serve an additional 6 months of simple imprisonment.
Under Section 489C of the IPC (Possession of forged or counterfeit currency notes): The court sentenced him to an additional 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,000. A default in the payment of this fine will attract an extra 3 months of imprisonment.
The successful conviction highlights the persistence of the local judiciary and the Siliguri Police Commissionerate in bringing financial offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the original crime.
