NIA Takes Over Ahmedabad Fake Currency Racket Investigation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially joined the investigation into a major fake currency racket that was recently busted in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This development comes after authorities seized counterfeit notes with a staggering face value of Rs 2.38 crore earlier this month.
Police Arrest Seven, Including Yoga Instructor, in Major Bust
On March 18, acting on a crucial tip-off, the city crime branch intercepted a white SUV near Torrent Power in Amraiwadi, Ahmedabad. The vehicle was allegedly transporting counterfeit currency from Surat to Ahmedabad. During the operation, police arrested seven individuals, one of whom is a yoga instructor.
Authorities recovered 44,053 counterfeit Rs 500 notes that were carefully concealed in bags and cartons. These notes had an approximate face value of Rs 2.10 crore. Following this initial seizure, subsequent raids were conducted at a residence in Surat.
Surat Printing Unit Uncovered with Sophisticated Equipment
Investigators discovered that the accused had been operating a clandestine printing unit in Surat for approximately four months. During the raid, police confiscated additional fake currency with a face value of Rs 28 lakh. The seizure also included high-grade printers, a laptop, a paper-cutting machine, and a currency-counting machine—all evidence of a sophisticated operation.
Police revealed that the main accused had traveled to China specifically to procure specialized printing paper. He visited locations linked to suppliers before bringing the materials back to Gujarat. His claim that the China visit was for purchasing yoga equipment has been contradicted by investigative findings.
Network Developed to Circulate Counterfeit Currency Across Regions
The investigation has uncovered that the accused developed an extensive network of contacts to circulate the counterfeit currency across multiple regions. Police suspect that properties in Surat and Rajkot, along with several vehicles, may have been purchased using these fake notes. Financial transactions of all accused individuals are currently being examined to trace the complete money trail.
According to sources, an accomplice allegedly gave the main accused the idea of printing fake money to overcome what they described as "financial difficulties."
Additional Allegations and Broader Investigation Scope
Investigators are also examining past allegations of sexual harassment against the main accused. These claims involve clients and minors during yoga training sessions, with some videos and chats having surfaced earlier. Officials stated that certain government functionaries are under scrutiny for allegedly using the accused's network to convert unaccounted money into legitimate funds.
The role of a retired IPS officer is also being examined as part of the expanding investigation. With the NIA now involved, the probe is expected to focus on interstate connections and possible international links of the counterfeit currency racket.
The case highlights the sophisticated methods used in counterfeit currency operations and the challenges authorities face in tracking such networks. The involvement of multiple agencies suggests the investigation will continue to uncover broader connections and financial trails.
