Nashik Police Arrest Six for Counterfeit Currency Circulation
Details of the Arrest
In a significant operation, Satana police apprehended six individuals, including a well-educated doctor, who were allegedly involved in the distribution of counterfeit Rs 500 notes in Nashik district. Acting on confidential tips, the police seized fake currency amounting to Rs 15,000 from a vehicle during their swift operation. Following their arrest, the court has placed all accused in police custody until December 24.
Operation Highlights
According to police reports, informants alerted authorities about counterfeit notes being transported in a Renault Duster. Officers stationed for crowd control at a local pilgrimage site promptly acted on this information. The suspects were caught in the act while refueling at a petrol station on the Satana–Taharabad road, attempting to use the counterfeit currency for payment.
Investigation and Findings
This incident has gained notable attention, coinciding with the ongoing pilgrimage of Devmamledar Yashwant Maharaj in the city. As reported by Maharashtra Times, the Satana police also confiscated four costly mobile phones, the Renault Duster, and valuables totaling approximately Rs 4.35 lakh from the suspects. Authorities suspect that a larger counterfeit operation may be at play, with Police Inspector Yogesh Patil expressing confidence that the location of the counterfeit currency production will soon be identified. Investigations suggest potential connections to Sambhajinagar and Nagpur.
Context of Counterfeit Operations in Maharashtra
This crackdown is part of a wider initiative against fake currency operations in Maharashtra. Previous reports by Medic Helpline indicated that a significant inter-state Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) racket had been dismantled in Malegaon, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the recovery of counterfeit Rs 500 notes valued at Rs 30 lakh. Investigations revealed that a suspended government doctor is believed to be the mastermind behind this operation, with arrested suspects admitting during interrogation that they sourced counterfeit notes from Prateek Navlakhe, the suspended doctor from Burhanpur district.