Counterfeit currency racket busted in Hyderabad, ₹2.91 lakh fake notes seized

Three men were arrested for printing and distributing counterfeit Indian currency notes in Hyderabad, according to the Commissioner’s Task Force, Shamshabad Zone team, and Balapur police. The trio, Ramavath Ramu, Ramavath Mothilal, and Ramavath Gandhi, were identified as 36-year-old Ramu, a food delivery worker, 35-year-old Mothilal, a bike taxi rider, and 19-year-old Gandhi, an autorickshaw driver.

They were all residents of Chinthal Thanda in Vaddipatla. An additional suspect, Sudheer John Chela, alias Vamshi, from Nagole, Bandlaguda, is at large. Police stated that Ramu and Mothilal learned how to produce counterfeit currency by watching videos on YouTube and Instagram. Mothilal discovered a YouTube notification detailing the process and contacted a person who provided information on the necessary materials, such as a color printer, scanner, and bond paper.

The accused allegedly purchased the equipment and began producing counterfeit notes. They also tried to replicate genuine currency's watermark. The counterfeit bills were allegedly circulated in limited amounts at wine shops and vegetable markets, primarily at night. It is believed that Gandhi facilitated the distribution of the fake notes in the market.

The seizure comprised 437 counterfeit ₹500 notes, 648 counterfeit ₹100 notes, and 39 counterfeit ₹200 notes, with a combined face value of ₹2,91,100. Additionally, four genuine ₹500 notes and four genuine ₹100 notes were seized, allegedly used as samples for photocopying. The accused and the seized materials were turned over to the Balapur police for further examination.

Ramu had a prior arrest in a 2022 case at the Nalgonda Women’s Police Station under the IPC and Dowry Prohibition Act.