Shamshabad Task Force Busts Fake Currency Gang in Balapur, 3 Arrested

Police arrested three members of a counterfeit currency gang in Balapur on Wednesday and seized fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 2.91 lakh. Sleuths from the Shamshabad zone Task Force carried out the operation after tracking the circulation of the forged notes.

The arrested individuals were identified as 36-year-old food delivery executive Ramavath Ramu alias Mohammed, 35-year-old bike-taxi rider Ramavath Mothilal, and 19-year-old auto driver Ramavath Gandhi. All three are residents of Chinthal Thanda in Vaddipatla, located in Nalgonda district. A fourth suspect, identified as Sudheer John Chela alias Vamshi from Nagole, is currently absconding.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Task Force) KS Rao, the primary accused, Ramu, turned to manufacturing counterfeit currency after facing severe financial hardships. Seeking a way to earn quick money, Ramu began researching counterfeit currency production by watching instructional videos on social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram.

Ramu then shared his plan with Mothilal, who found a contact number listed online in a video related to manufacturing fake currency. Mothilal contacted the unidentified individual, who then provided instructions to the gang on the necessary equipment and supplies.

Following the guidance of the unknown contact, the group procured a printer, a scanner, and specialized paper to print the counterfeit bills.

Investigators revealed that the gang distributed the fake notes in small quantities to avoid raising suspicion. They targeted local vegetable markets and liquor shops, carrying out most of their transactions during nighttime hours.

Task Force personnel intercepted the trio in Balapur and recovered the counterfeit notes from their possession. Police are continuing efforts to trace and arrest the absconding suspect, Sudheer John Chela, as well as the unidentified person who guided the gang online.