Puttur: In a major crackdown on counterfeit currency, the Uppinangady police busted an illegal fake Indian currency printing racket operating from a building at Adenja in Kaniyoor village of Beltangady taluk and arrested seven accused. The operation led to the seizure of counterfeit currency prints, electronic equipment and other materials allegedly used in the production of fake ₹500 notes.

The raid was carried out on Thursday following credible information that a group was using sophisticated electronic devices to manufacture counterfeit Indian currency. Police said the operation was the result of coordinated intelligence gathering and inter-district cooperation.

The accused have been booked under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and further investigation is underway to determine the scale of the operation and identify any wider network linked to the racket.

Police raid based on specific intelligence

The operation was led by Uppinangady Police Sub-Inspector Sutesh K P and his team after they received precise information regarding the illegal activity.

According to police, the gang had allegedly established a counterfeit currency printing unit inside a building at Adenja in Kaniyoor village, where electronic equipment was being used to create fake Indian currency notes.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence input, the police conducted a raid at the premises on Thursday morning. During the search, officers recovered several materials believed to have been used in printing counterfeit currency.

The timely operation prevented the alleged circulation of fake currency and dealt a significant blow to the illegal network.

Seven accused arrested

Police arrested seven persons in connection with the racket during the raid.

The accused have been identified as Ibrahim, Shareef, Sandeep Pundalik Sholambi, Mohammad Nabash, Salman Faris, Sirajuddin and Irshad.

Investigators are questioning the accused to ascertain their individual roles in the operation, the duration of the illegal activity and whether counterfeit notes had already entered circulation.

Police are also examining possible links between the accused and other counterfeit currency networks operating in Karnataka or neighbouring states.

Counterfeit notes and equipment seized

During the search, police seized several items allegedly used in the illegal printing process.

Among the recovered materials were one counterfeit ₹500 currency note and 21 A4-size sheets carrying printed images resembling ₹500 notes.

Officers also confiscated a computer system, a Xerox machine, duplicate seals and various other electronic equipment and materials suspected to have been used for manufacturing counterfeit currency.

All the seized articles have been taken into police custody for forensic examination. Investigators are expected to analyse the equipment to determine the printing process and recover any digital evidence related to the operation.

Case registered under BNS

Following the raid, Uppinangady Police registered a case under Crime No. 103/2026.

The accused have been booked under Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Police said additional legal provisions may be invoked depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Officials are also verifying whether the counterfeit notes were intended for circulation within Dakshina Kannada district or supplied to other regions.

The investigation will focus on identifying the source of the equipment, financial transactions and any individuals who may have assisted the accused.

Inter-district police cooperation

Police said the successful operation was made possible through coordinated efforts involving officers from Dakshina Kannada and Kodagu districts.

The raid received support from Kodagu Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani R N, IPS, along with Kodagu district police personnel Yogeesh B (HC 193) and Niranjan M N (HC 190).

The Dakshina Kannada District Special Branch also assisted in the operation. Police Inspector Nandakumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector Deepak, Head Constables Satish and Rauf worked alongside the Uppinangady police team in tracking the suspects and executing the raid.

Officials said the collaboration helped gather intelligence, identify the location and successfully dismantle the alleged counterfeit currency printing unit.

Investigation continues

Police are continuing to investigate the racket to determine the extent of its operations and whether more individuals were involved.

Investigators will examine digital devices, printing equipment and seized materials to identify additional evidence. They are also expected to trace financial links and establish whether counterfeit currency had already been circulated in the market.

Further arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.

Conclusion

The bust of the alleged counterfeit currency printing racket marks a significant success for the Uppinangady police in curbing financial crimes in the region. With seven accused in custody and crucial evidence seized, investigators are now focused on uncovering the full extent of the network and preventing counterfeit currency from entering circulation.