On Wednesday, Karnataka Police arrested six individuals in Belagavi district for allegedly circulating fake currency notes across the state and Maharashtra. The accused were identified as Anwar Yadwad, 26, Saddam Yadahalli, 27, Ravi Hagadi, 27, Dundappa Vanashenavi, 27, Vithal Hosakoti, 29, and Mallappa Allappa Kumbali, 26. Despite having information about the gang before the Lok Sabha elections, the police couldn’t track their movements due to poll duty.
The breakthrough came when Anwar’s car met with an accident under the Gokak rural police limits on June 29. During the subsequent interrogation, the police discovered 305 fake notes and 6,792 toy notes inside his vehicle. This led to the arrest of the other gang members.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to circulating counterfeit notes. Bhima Shankar Guled, Superintendent of Police, Belagavi, revealed that the gang exchanged fake notes worth Rs 4 lakh for original notes amounting to Rs 1 lakh. These counterfeit notes were circulated in various locations including Gokak, Mahalingapur, Mudhol, Yaragatti, Hidkal Dam, Belagavi, and Dharwad.
The arrests mark a significant step in curbing the circulation of fake currency in the region. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover further details and potential accomplices involved in this illegal operation.