Police seize fake notes worth Rs 6.78 crore in Hyderabad
Four people were arrested after a joint operation uncovered a counterfeit currency manufacturing unit in a rented house.
The Abdullapurmet Police and Shadnagar Special Operations Team (SOT) busted a counterfeit currency racket in Hyderabad, seizing fake Rs 500 notes with a total face value of Rs 6.78 crore, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and ANI.
The operation began on November 1 when police intercepted a car near Ramoji Film City on National Highway 65. Officers arrested four occupants, identified as Madupoju Karnakar, Chinnolla Manikya Reddy, Cherukupelly Rathnakar Reddy, and Karanam Ajay Kumar.
According to India Today, investigators traced the racket to a rented house in Kuntloor on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Police found a printing unit containing 134 bundles of fake Rs 500 notes, along with colour printers, scanners, a laptop, a lamination machine, and cutting equipment.
Future City Commissioner of Police Tarun Joshi stated that the prime accused, Madupoju Karnakar, allegedly learned to manufacture the notes by watching YouTube tutorials and social media content. Investigators said Karnakar used Photoshop to modify scanned genuine notes before printing them.
The group allegedly planned to exchange fake notes for genuine cash or pose as police officers using fake identity cards and imitation pistols to steal money from customers. Police are currently working to locate three other accused persons who are absconding.
Further investigations are being conducted to identify additional individuals involved in the racket.