Date:04/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/04/stories/2007030420260300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Fake notes: State opposes release of accused

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The State Government has opposed the release of a native of Mangalore detained under the provisions of the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act of 1974 (COFEPOSA Act).

Appearing for the State, the State Public Prosecutor, S. Dore Raju, submitted in the High Court that the detainee was arrested in Bangalore when he had on his person fake Indian currency and that the detention order under COFEPOSA Act was passed by the Home Department on December 1, 2006.

He submitted that the detainee, Anand Ashok Monterio, was arrested for a serious crime against the country and that the State needed further time to complete its investigation.

The petitioner, Mouris D'Souza, sought the release of Ashok, his uncle. The petitioner claimed that the Home Department had not furnished the initial order of detention along with the grounds of detention passed under Section 3 of the Act. Moreover, the order of detention was not furnished within five days from the date of detention.