Muzaffarnagar police have arrested three men accused of printing counterfeit currency after being inspired by the popular web series ‘Farzi’ and dreaming of making quick money. The Budhana police have allegedly busted the gang, including its suspected mastermind, and recovered fake ₹500 notes with a total face value of ₹5,26,500. Police also seized a laptop, a colour printer, special paper and other materials allegedly used to produce counterfeit currency.
According to police, the gang’s printing setup was operating from a flat in Narela, Delhi. During questioning after the arrests, one of the accused allegedly disclosed the location of the facility. Acting on the information, a police team raided the flat and recovered additional counterfeit notes and printing equipment. Investigators are now examining the gang’s supply network and trying to identify other people who may have been involved.
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How Were the Three Accused Caught?
The Senior Superintendent of Police told reporters at the police lines that Budhana police had received information that some people were active in the area and attempting to circulate counterfeit currency. Acting on the tip-off, a police team laid a trap near a tubewell on the Budhana-Kandhla road, close to Wajid’s hotel on the Meerut-Karnal Highway. Three suspicious individuals were detained during the operation.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of fake ₹500 notes with a face value of ₹4 lakh. During subsequent questioning, one of the accused allegedly revealed that counterfeit notes were being printed at his flat in Narela, Delhi. Police raided the premises and seized additional fake currency worth ₹1,26,500, along with materials used in the printing process. The total value of the counterfeit notes recovered in the operation was ₹5,26,500.
Who Is the Suspected Mastermind?
The arrested men have been identified as Shubham, Mahendra and Tinu. According to police, Shubham, originally from Baghpat and currently residing in Narela, Delhi, is the suspected mastermind of the operation. He has reportedly studied pharmacy and holds a BPharma qualification. Mahendra is a resident of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, while Tinu belongs to Meerut and previously worked installing solar panels.
During questioning, Shubham allegedly told investigators that watching the web series ‘Farzi’ gave him the idea of printing counterfeit currency to make substantial profits. He subsequently brought his associates into the operation. Police said the accused allegedly used online videos and other internet resources to learn techniques for producing fake notes.
What Did Police Recover?
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly used a laptop and Photoshop software to scan an image of a genuine ₹500 note and adjust its dimensions before printing copies on a colour printer. Police recovered a laptop, a colour printer, bundles of cotton paper and butter paper, rolls of coloured foil, five firms, printer ink, a paper cutter and other materials.
The seized items also included Fevicol, Fevistick, screen-coating material and various chemicals. Investigators are examining the materials and their alleged use in the counterfeiting operation. They are also trying to establish where the gang intended to circulate the fake notes and whether any counterfeit currency had already entered the market.
Where Was the Special Paper Sourced?
Police said the materials required for printing the counterfeit notes were ordered online. The investigation has reportedly revealed that special cotton paper was sourced from a person identified as Ganesh, who is said to be based in Maharashtra.
Police are investigating the person’s alleged role, the supply arrangements and the wider network connected to the gang. Investigators are also examining whether other individuals were involved in procuring materials, printing the notes or distributing them.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
A cash reward of ₹25,000 has been announced for the police team that uncovered the alleged counterfeit currency operation. The team included the Superintendent of Police (Rural), the Circle Officer of Budhana, the local police station in-charge and other personnel.
Police have appealed to members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious ₹500 note. Anyone who comes across a note they believe may be counterfeit has been advised not to attempt to circulate it and instead seek verification from a bank or inform the nearest police station.
Investigators are continuing to establish how long the alleged operation had been running, where the counterfeit notes were intended to be circulated and how extensive the network supplying specialised paper and other materials may be. Further action in the case is underway following the arrests and the seizure of the alleged printing setup.
The seizure of counterfeit notes worth ₹5.26 lakh and printing equipment highlights the importance of identifying fake currency before it enters circulation. Investigators must now establish whether any notes were distributed and whether others were involved in supplying materials. People who suspect a note is counterfeit should avoid passing it on and seek verification from a bank or report it to the police.
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