Jharkhand Police have uncovered a large-scale counterfeit lottery racket operating in Dhanbad, seizing fake lottery tickets and printing equipment with an estimated value of nearly ₹160 crore. The operation was carried out by the Chirkunda Police, who raided an abandoned building in the district and exposed what investigators believe was a major illegal printing and distribution network. Officials said the racket allegedly targeted unsuspecting members of the public by circulating counterfeit lottery tickets while extending its operations across several states. The investigation is continuing to identify additional members of the syndicate and determine the full extent of its activities.
According to the police, the raid was conducted after receiving specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal printing and sale of fake lottery tickets from a deserted building belonging to Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) near Babudundal More in the Chirkunda police station area. Acting on the information, a special team led by Nirsa Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Lileshwar Mahato raided the premises and discovered a fully operational counterfeit lottery printing unit.
During the search, officers recovered a huge quantity of printed fake lottery tickets, sophisticated printing machines, computers, printers, and other equipment allegedly used for manufacturing counterfeit lottery material. Police estimated the value of the seized fake lottery tickets and related materials at approximately ₹160 crore. The recovered machinery and documents have been seized for forensic examination to determine the scale of production and identify financial transactions linked to the operation.
Police arrested Swaroop Mallik, a resident of Sawalapur Kalubathan in the Nirsa area, from the raid location. During preliminary questioning, he allegedly admitted to participating in the illegal business along with several associates. Investigators are verifying his statements and examining his financial records, communication history, and links with other suspected members of the network. Authorities believe the racket had been operating for a considerable period before it was detected.
Rural Superintendent of Police S. Mohammad Yakub stated that the investigation indicates the counterfeit lottery network was not confined to Jharkhand alone. According to the police, its links extend to several cities across Jharkhand as well as neighbouring states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Investigators are now coordinating with police units in those states to identify distributors, suppliers, and other individuals suspected of being involved in the interstate network.
Police have launched a search for several other suspects allegedly connected to the racket. Among those being traced are three brothers from Babudundal—Prakash Singh, Bhanu Pratap Singh, and Jai Singh alias Pinta alias Bhagat Singh—as well as another suspect identified as Nanhaku from Pitha Kiyari. Investigators suspect these individuals played important roles in operating or expanding the counterfeit lottery business. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations to apprehend the absconding accused.
According to police records, some of the wanted suspects have previous criminal histories. Officials stated that Prakash Singh has been named in multiple criminal cases registered at police stations in Daltonganj, Nirsa, Chirkunda, and Giridih Town. Jai Singh alias Pinta alias Bhagat Singh has also reportedly faced cases related to liquor smuggling in Jamtara and Bihar’s Gopalganj district. Investigators are examining whether these earlier criminal activities have any financial or operational links with the counterfeit lottery racket.
Police further indicated that another lottery syndicate is believed to be operating in Dhanbad and conducting similar illegal activities across different parts of the district. Authorities said intelligence inputs regarding that network are also being verified, and further action is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, forensic experts are analysing the seized printing equipment, digital devices, documents, and financial records to trace the money trail and establish the complete structure of the alleged interstate counterfeit lottery operation. Officials said additional arrests and legal action are likely as the investigation progresses and more evidence emerges.
