UP Police and SOG Crack Down on Counterfeit Currency Network in Meerut
In a significant joint operation, the Uttar Pradesh police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) arrested two men on Sunday for allegedly operating a counterfeit currency racket in Meerut. The accused, identified as Rajvardhan Singh Chauhan and Chirag Saxena, both in their 30s, were taken into custody following an earlier seizure of fake notes with a face value of Rs 10,500 near Bilaspur Gate in Rampur on April 1.
Arrests and Seizures in Meerut Operation
The operation led to the arrest of Chirag Saxena near a mango orchard, while Rajvardhan Singh Chauhan was later apprehended from a flat in Chris Green Colony in Meerut. During the raids, police recovered counterfeit currency worth a total of Rs 4.88 lakh. This included Rs 4.46 lakh in Rs 500 denomination notes, along with partially printed notes of Rs 500, Rs 200, and Rs 100 denominations.
Authorities also seized a full-fledged setup used for printing fake currency, which comprised a laptop, a desktop system, multiple printers, a lamination machine, specialised ink, foil, and A4 bond paper. Additionally, two mobile phones were confiscated as part of the investigation.
Modus Operandi and Network Details
According to police officials, Rajvardhan learned the trade of counterfeiting approximately one year ago after meeting an individual on a bus who took him to Delhi. He later enlisted his childhood friend, Chirag, to join the operation. The duo utilized Instagram to contact potential buyers and circulated the fake notes through courier services or by arranging meetings at specific locations to exchange them for genuine cash.
During interrogation, the accused admitted to supplying counterfeit notes to two men from Rampur earlier this year after Eid. Police are currently making efforts to trace these individuals as part of the ongoing investigation.
Inspiration and Wider Network Probe
Rampur SP Somendra Meena stated that during questioning, the accused claimed to have been inspired by a web series on counterfeit currency. Authorities are verifying this claim to determine its validity. Meena emphasized that the network appears to be more extensive than initially thought, and further investigation is underway to uncover additional links and accomplices.
The case highlights the growing use of social media platforms like Instagram for illicit activities and underscores the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in combating financial crimes. The seizure of advanced printing equipment indicates a sophisticated operation that required coordinated efforts to dismantle.
