Bulandshahr | Police in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, have busted an organised fake currency printing gang allegedly operating from inside a house using a colour printer. The accused were reportedly preparing counterfeit ₹500 notes and circulating them in rural markets and small shops. Three suspects have been arrested, and police have recovered around ₹12,000 in fake notes, unfinished counterfeit material, a motorcycle and printing equipment during the operation. Initial investigation suggests the gang was planning to use fake currency to repay a bank loan of nearly ₹50 lakh.
The case came to light on February 23, 2026, when a man purchasing vegetables in the Narora area handed a suspected ₹500 note to a shopkeeper. The shopkeeper became suspicious after examining the texture and printing quality of the note and immediately informed local traders. During the preliminary inquiry, it was found that similar suspicious notes had been circulated in several nearby rural shops. Following the complaint, Narora police registered a case and began investigation with the help of technical and local intelligence units.
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Acting on a tip-off, police raided an area near the Irrigation Department colony where some youths were allegedly carrying fake notes. During the search operation, three suspects were detained. Authorities recovered a large quantity of unfinished counterfeit notes, a colour printer, mobile phones and other materials used for producing fake currency. During interrogation, the accused reportedly admitted that they printed notes inside the house and later attempted to circulate them in rural markets.
According to investigators, the main objective of the gang was to earn illegal financial gain and arrange funds to repay a bank loan of about ₹50 lakh. Police are also trying to determine whether a larger network was involved in the operation. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused collected information about fake note printing techniques from the internet before producing counterfeit currency.
Officials said that although the recovered fake notes looked similar to genuine currency, expert examination confirmed their counterfeit nature. The mobile phones of the accused are also being analysed to trace their contacts and possible accomplices.
Authorities have urged shopkeepers and traders to verify currency notes carefully before accepting them in transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately. Police said that fake currency gangs often target small traders and less aware customers in rural areas.
All three accused have been arrested and a case has been registered under relevant legal provisions. Police are now investigating how many fake notes were already circulated in the market and whether people from other districts were involved in the network. Further investigation is expected to reveal more details about the larger operation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
