How a single ₹500 counterfeit currency helped police unravel a larger syndicate

In a sensational turn of events, the Tumakuru police have busted a counterfeit currency racket after tracing the origin of a single counterfeit ₹500 note. The operation has led to the arrest of six accused, while the search is on for the kingpin.

The investigation began after a small-time woman vendor in Huliyar of Tumakuru district alerted the police about a counterfeit ₹500 note. An investigator in the case told The Hindu that earlier this week, two of the accused bought a pack of tobacco and paid her with a ₹500 note. Although she grew suspicious about the currency, she accepted it and returned the change. Minutes later, she called the Huliyar police and informed them that she had been handed a counterfeit note.

“She had noted the registration number of the car in which the accused had arrived and informed us,” the officer said. Subsequently, one police vehicle chased the accused’s car, while officers coordinated with the Chikkanayakanahalli police and alerted them regarding the vehicle on the move towards their jurisdiction, police sources said.

The meticulous coordination between the two police stations eventually resulted in the duo being intercepted. A senior officer overseeing the case said that when the vehicle was searched, the duo was found in possession of 39 counterfeit ₹500 notes. They were subsequently taken into custody.

“Sustained interrogation led us to four more people residing in different districts. Eventually, one of the prime accused was arrested in Bengaluru, while another accused fled from the scene,” the officer said.

Investigations revealed that the accused arrested in Bengaluru worked closely with the kingpin and helped him print the counterfeit currency. The police suspect that the printing facility is located somewhere in Bengaluru and have continued the investigation.

Police sources said there are more foot soldiers yet to be traced. The kingpin and the accused arrested in Bengaluru allegedly printed the counterfeit currency and roped in foot soldiers to circulate the notes. The foot soldiers were recruited through a common network and supplied with counterfeit notes. They were then instructed to travel through rural areas and use the counterfeit currency.

The police are now tracing the kingpin, whose arrest is expected to reveal how the design was replicated and where the printing equipment is being kept.

The names of the accused are not disclosed as the investigations are under way.