A gang allegedly inspired by the web series ‘Farzi’ has been implicated in a counterfeit currency operation spanning five states in India. The Rajasthan Police have arrested six individuals under ‘Operation Notflix’ following an investigation into the production and circulation of fake Indian currency notes. This operation has revealed connections across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh.

According to police reports, the gang members devised a plan to produce counterfeit notes after being influenced by the series. They reportedly utilised online platforms to acquire digital files and specialised paper necessary for printing fake currency. The investigation commenced on September 29, when police in Dungarpur apprehended Bhavesh Khatik and Nayan Joshi at the Mada School Ground.

They were allegedly found with counterfeit currency valued at Rs 4,95,500. The interrogation of these two individuals led investigators to uncover further members of the network and its extensive operations across multiple states. Authorities are currently assessing the scale of the racket and the volume of counterfeit currency that may have entered circulation.

Details of the Racket’s Operations

Dungarpur Superintendent of Police, Manish Kumar, reported that the main suspect, Ravi Kumar, fled upon learning of the police investigation. He allegedly changed his locations and mobile numbers frequently to avoid capture. However, law enforcement eventually located and arrested him at the Ludhiana railway station in Punjab, approximately 1,300 kilometres from Dungarpur.

The investigation also identified Anand Rajput, a resident of Ambala in Haryana, as a key figure in the operation. Police allege that Rajput conceived the idea of printing counterfeit notes after viewing ‘Farzi’. Investigators discovered that the preparation of the counterfeit currency involved the use of Photoshop and YouTube tutorials.

Further inquiries revealed that the gang sourced materials through a Telegram channel. Mohammed Arif, arrested in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is accused of procuring the necessary paper from a channel named ‘Ankit Paper Seller’, which allegedly supplied materials for the counterfeit operation. Another suspect, Tarun Malekar, was apprehended in Durg, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly providing a digital file related to the Rs 500 note.

Arrests Made Across Multiple States

The Rajasthan Police have arrested six individuals linked to the counterfeit currency case. The suspects include Ravi Kumar from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, Anand Rajput from Ambala Cantt in Haryana, Mohammed Arif from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Tarun Malekar from Durg in Chhattisgarh, and Bhavesh Khatik and Nayan Joshi from Dungarpur in Rajasthan. These arrests have unveiled the network’s connections across various states.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the racket, including the total amount of counterfeit currency produced and circulated. Additionally, police are working to identify any other individuals who may be involved in this extensive counterfeit currency operation.

The case highlights the growing concern regarding counterfeit currency in India and the innovative methods employed by criminal networks to produce and distribute fake notes. As investigations proceed, law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling such operations and ensuring the integrity of the currency system.

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