Hyderabad Police Bust Fake Currency Gang in Balapur, Seize Rs 2.91 Lakh

The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force (Shamshabad Zone), in coordination with the Balapur police, busted a counterfeit currency circulation racket and arrested three individuals accused of printing and distributing fake notes in the city.

Police seized counterfeit currency notes with a total face value of Rs 2,91,100, alongside a colour printer, scanner, laminator, and other materials used in the manufacturing process.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Ramavath Ramu alias Mohammed (36), a food delivery worker; Ramavath Mothilal (35), a bike-taxi driver; and Ramavath Gandhi (19), an auto driver. All three are residents of Chinthal Thanda in Vaddipatla, Telangana. A fourth associate, identified as Sudheer John Chela alias Vamshi from Nagole-Bandlaguda, is currently absconding.

According to investigators, Ramu and Mothilal learned how to manufacture counterfeit notes by watching tutorial videos on YouTube and Instagram. After seeing a video on the platform, Mothilal contacted a phone number displayed on the screen and received instructions to buy a colour printer, scanner, bond paper, and other supplies.

The suspects purchased the equipment and began printing fake notes in denominations of Rs 500, Rs 200, and Rs 100. Investigators stated that the group attempted to duplicate key security features, including the watermark, to make the notes appear genuine.

The gang circulated the counterfeit currency in small batches, targeting vegetable markets and wine shops during nighttime hours to avoid detection. Gandhi was allegedly tasked with passing the fake notes into local markets.

During the operation, police recovered 437 fake Rs 500 notes, 39 fake Rs 200 notes, and 648 fake Rs 100 notes, bringing the total seized value to Rs 2.91 lakh.