Police Disrupt Counterfeit Currency Operation in Kanpur

Police in Auraiya, a district in Uttar Pradesh, have dismantled a counterfeit currency operation, arresting six individuals on March 11, 2024. The arrests occurred near Devkali Chauki following a tip-off, leading to the discovery of both counterfeit and genuine currency notes, as well as a car fitted with a red-blue beacon and a judge’s logo.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Bharti, a joint team comprised of the Special Operations Group (SOG), surveillance, and Kotwali police conducted a search of the vehicle. The operation yielded substantial evidence, including mobile phones, counterfeit money amounting to ₹2.2 lakh, and genuine currency worth ₹5.07 lakh. Additionally, investigators found children’s bank (toy) notes valued at ₹75 lakh.

The suspects reportedly engaged in a scheme where they exchanged real currency for a mix of toy notes and counterfeit money. The operation’s intricacies came to light during the interrogation of those arrested, who were identified as Manish Pachori from Shanti Nagar, Munesh Chandra from Badagaon, Rahul Sharma from Radhapuram Estate, Dileep from Jyoti Nagar, Akash Bichpuria from Mahipalpur Extension in Delhi, and Indrajeet Yadav from Nannewas in Alwar, Rajasthan.

Details of the Operation and Arrests

The police action was prompted by information regarding the counterfeit currency racket operating through social media platforms. Upon searching the vehicle near Devkali Chauki, police apprehended the six suspects who were present inside. The recovered items included a news channel microphone ID, indicating a possible connection to media-related activities.

SP Abhishek Bharti noted that Akash Bichpuria had emerged as the kingpin of the operation. He allegedly recruited the others into the scheme, which had been running undetected until now. Among the arrested individuals, only Manish Pachori had an existing criminal record with one FIR registered against him at Sadar Kotwali in Eta. The remaining suspects did not have any prior criminal history.

The investigation is ongoing, with police actively pursuing leads to identify additional individuals linked to the counterfeit currency network. Authorities are committed to eradicating such illegal activities that undermine the economic stability of the region.

As police continue their inquiries, officials emphasize the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities that could indicate similar operations.