The Karnataka Police have dismantled a counterfeit currency racket in Belagavi district, arresting six individuals involved in printing and distributing fake currency notes. The gang’s operations were notably inspired by the Hindi web series ‘Farzi,’ which influenced their methods.
Arrest and Seizure
The arrested individuals, identified as Anwar Yadawad, Saddam Yadalli, Ravi Hyagadi, Dundappa Onashenavi, Vittal Hosathotal, and Mallappa Kundali, were apprehended during a police operation aimed at seizing a car in Kadabagatti Gudda, Gokak town. During the operation, the police discovered 305 fake Rs 100 notes and 6,792 fake Rs 500 notes inside the vehicle.
Materials Seized
Belagavi Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar Guled reported that the police confiscated a significant amount of equipment and materials used for producing counterfeit currency. These included:
- Fake currency notes
- A printer
- A screening board
- Paint
- Printing paper
- Six mobile phones
The total value of the seized items was estimated at Rs 5,23,900.
Racket’s Modus Operandi
The initial investigation revealed that the gang was producing counterfeit currency at a house in Arabhavi, Mudalagi taluk, during nighttime. Their operations were heavily influenced by the web series ‘Farzi,’ with their methods mirroring those depicted in the show. The gang allegedly exchanged Rs 5 lakh in fake currency for Rs 1 lakh in genuine currency, operating across Bagalkot, Mahalingapura, Gokak, and Mudalagi.
Legal Action
A case has been registered at the Gokak police station. The police are conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the counterfeit operation and identify any additional individuals involved. They are also exploring the degree to which the web series influenced the gang’s activities and whether other networks are connected to this operation.