The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Chennai has formally summoned Pakistan diplomat Amir Zubair Siddique in connection with a high-profile fake currency case. Siddique, who is currently posted as Counsellor (Visa) at the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka, has been accused of playing a role in the circulation of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN). The court has given him a deadline to appear before it by October 15, 2025, marking a significant development in a case that has been under investigation for several years.
The roots of this case go back to 2018, when the NIA filed a chargesheet naming Siddique and two others for their alleged involvement in the circulation of counterfeit Indian currency. Investigators have maintained that Siddique, through his diplomatic position, facilitated the movement and distribution of these notes, posing a threat to India’s economic security. Despite the serious nature of the charges, Siddique has so far remained beyond the reach of Indian authorities due to his diplomatic cover and foreign posting.
According to officials, the case has been registered under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 121A (conspiracy to commit offences against the state), and 489-B (using counterfeit currency) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically sections 16 and 18 dealing with terrorism-related activities and conspiracy, have also been invoked. These stringent charges highlight the gravity of the accusations and the potential link of the case to broader security concerns.
Siddique has been declared an absconder in the matter, with an arrest warrant pending against him for years. The summons issued by the NIA court is an attempt to bring him under legal scrutiny, despite the diplomatic and geopolitical sensitivities involved. If Siddique fails to comply with the October 15 deadline, the court could initiate further legal measures, which may include proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender.
The NIA’s action underscores India’s continued efforts to clamp down on networks spreading counterfeit currency, which not only undermines the economy but is also believed to finance subversive activities. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Siddique responds to the court summons or whether the matter escalates into a larger diplomatic standoff between India and Pakistan.
