Puttur: Police investigating the counterfeit currency printing racket unearthed at Adenj in Kaniyoor village have recovered additional evidence during a search of a rented house in Pilichandikallu, where absconding accused Abdul Shakeel and arrested accused Sandeep Pundalik Sholambi had been staying. A printer, bottles containing chemical solution and several other materials suspected to have been used in the illegal operation were seized during the search.

The latest recovery is part of the ongoing investigation into the counterfeit currency racket that was busted on July 16. Investigators believe the newly seized materials could provide further clues about the network involved in printing and circulating fake currency notes.

Search conducted after court permission

Acting with permission from the court, a police team led by the Beltangady Deputy Superintendent of Police carried out a search at the rented accommodation in Kuvettu village where Abdul Shakeel and Sandeep Pundalik Sholambi had been residing.

According to police sources, officers recovered a printer, bottles containing chemical solution and other materials from the room occupied by Sandeep Pundalik. The seized items have been taken into custody for further examination as part of the investigation.

Police are continuing efforts to trace absconding accused Abdul Shakeel, who remains at large.

Counterfeit racket busted on July 16

The fake currency printing racket came to light on July 16 when police raided a house owned by Idrees at Adenj in Kaniyoor village.

During the operation, officers allegedly found counterfeit currency notes along with machinery and equipment believed to have been used for printing fake notes. The seizure led to a detailed investigation, which has since uncovered additional evidence and expanded the scope of the case.

Investigators are examining how the counterfeit notes were produced and whether they had already entered circulation.

Seven accused arrested

Police have arrested seven persons in connection with the racket. They have been identified as Ibrahim (60) of Puttur Kasba village, Shareef (51) of Changula village in Kasaragod district, Sandeep Pundalik Sholambi (30) of Haliyal taluk in Uttara Kannada district, Nabas (37) of Amoor village in Kasaragod district, Salman Faris (25) of Olamogru village, Sirajuddin (34) of Uruvalu village and Irshad (31) of Puthila village.

The accused were produced before the Beltangady court following their arrest.

Initially, Ibrahim, Sandeep Pundalik Sholambi, Sirajuddin and Irshad were remanded to police custody until July 26 to facilitate further interrogation. The remaining three accused—Nabas, Salman Faris and Shareef—were sent to judicial custody until August 1.

On July 26, the court also remanded the four accused who had been in police custody to judicial custody.

Investigation continues

Police are continuing to analyse the materials seized from both the Adenj premises and the rented house in Kuvettu village. The recovered printer, chemical solutions and other equipment are expected to assist investigators in determining the scale of the counterfeit currency operation.

Officials are also working to establish the roles of each accused and identify any additional persons who may have been involved in the printing or distribution of fake currency.

The search at the rented accommodation marks another significant development in the case, with investigators focusing on gathering forensic and documentary evidence to strengthen the prosecution while continuing the hunt for the absconding accused.