A counterfeit currency manufacturing operation has been dismantled by Telangana police, resulting in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of fake notes valued at Rs 6.78 crore. The operation was reportedly based in a rented house located in Kuntloor, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The investigation began on November 1, when the Abdullapurmet police, in collaboration with the Shadnagar Special Operations Team (SOT), intercepted a vehicle near Ramoji Film City along National Highway 65.

During the stop, officers discovered counterfeit Rs 500 notes worth Rs 8 lakh inside the car, leading to the immediate arrest of its four occupants. Further inquiries revealed the counterfeit currency operation, prompting police to search the rented premises where they uncovered a fully equipped printing unit.

Details of the Counterfeit Operation Revealed

Upon investigation, authorities seized an additional 134 bundles of fake Rs 500 notes, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 6.70 crore. The police also confiscated various equipment used in the production of counterfeit currency, including colour printers, scanners, a laptop, a lamination machine, and cutting tools.

Dr Tarun Joshi, the Future City Commissioner of Police, stated that the main suspect, identified as Madupoju Karnakar, allegedly acquired his knowledge of counterfeit currency production through YouTube tutorials and other social media platforms. Investigators noted that Karnakar scanned authentic Rs 500 notes and employed image-editing software, such as Photoshop, to alter the images before printing the counterfeit versions.

Initially, the accused planned to circulate the fake currency by offering Rs 3-4 lakh in counterfeit notes for every Rs 1 lakh in genuine cash. However, when this strategy failed to attract buyers, the group reportedly devised alternative methods to defraud potential customers.

Fraudulent Tactics Employed by the Accused

The investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly posed as police personnel to gain the trust of potential buyers. They would first present genuine currency to convince customers of the legitimacy of the transaction. Subsequently, they would impersonate police officers, equipped with fake identity cards, walkie-talkies, imitation firearms, and vehicles displaying counterfeit number plates.

In this manner, the gang would threaten prospective buyers and abscond with their genuine cash. Reports indicate that the group successfully defrauded two individuals, obtaining Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh in separate incidents. The tactics employed by the suspects highlight a sophisticated approach to deception, leveraging the appearance of authority to exploit victims.

The four individuals arrested in connection with this operation have been identified as Madupoju Karnakar, Chinnolla Manikya Reddy, Cherukupelly Rathnakar Reddy, and Karanam Ajay Kumar. Authorities are currently pursuing three additional suspects who remain at large, with efforts underway to locate and apprehend them.

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