Rajasthan Gang Caught with Counterfeit Rs 500 Notes Worth Rs 19.84 Lakh
A gang operating in Rajasthan was recently apprehended by the Delhi Police’s Crime Branch for their involvement in printing and distributing counterfeit currency. The gang, led by Mohammed and comprising five members, managed to print fake Rs 500 notes amounting to a total face value of Rs 19.84 lakh. Their operation was discovered after some of the counterfeit notes were found in circulation in the capital city.
Mohammed, who was a talented painter but struggled to make ends meet, enlisted the help of his friends to set up a facility in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where they produced the fake notes. One member of the gang was skilled in handling inks and chemicals, while another was responsible for cutting the notes. The rest of the group was in charge of distributing the counterfeit currency across different states in India.
Upon arresting the gang, the police seized a significant amount of fake currency with a face value of Rs 19.84 lakh, consisting of counterfeit Rs 500 notes. The authorities also confiscated various printing equipment, including printers, computers, laptops, and uncut printed sheets worth Rs 8.14 lakh. Additionally, they discovered lamination machines, 19 ink bottles, and chemicals used in the counterfeiting process.
The police were surprised to find a green thread line roll of RBI in the possession of the gang. The gang members claimed to have ordered this security feature directly from a website called India Mart. They also uncovered frames used to imprint the numeral 500 on the counterfeit notes with glow ink.
Together with Mohammed, the gang members arrested were identified as Lokesh (28), Himanshu (47), Shiv Lal (30), and Sanjay Godara (22). All of them hail from Rajasthan and were involved in different professions before engaging in this criminal activity.
The arrest operation was carried out based on technical inputs and human intelligence gathered by the Crime Branch. Two Assistant Sub-Inspectors, Governor and Ajay, led the team in tracking the gang’s activities. After receiving a tip-off that the gang would be delivering a consignment near the Akshardham temple in Delhi, the police laid a trap and successfully apprehended the suspects.
During the operation, high-quality counterfeit currency with a face value of Rs 6 lakh, consisting of Rs 500 notes, was seized. The arrested suspects provided information about their associates, who were subsequently apprehended as well.
Mohammed, a graduate who struggled to find employment in Rajasthan, resorted to criminal activities. Lal, holding an NCC C certificate, was burdened with significant debt, leading him to join forces with Mohammed. Himanshu was employed as an accountant, while Lokesh ran an E-Mitra center. Interestingly, Lokesh had also been selected as a Grade-III teacher in Rajasthan. Lastly, Sanjay Godara had completed Class XII.
This incident highlights the need for enhanced security measures to prevent the production and circulation of counterfeit currency. The Delhi Police’s successful operation serves as a reminder to criminals who engage in such activities that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and dedicated to curbing illegal practices.
