Haridwar Police have busted a major fake currency racket that allegedly targeted religious places and local markets by exploiting the heavy inflow of pilgrims and cash transactions. In a series of coordinated operations conducted over the past 14 days, police arrested 12 accused and seized ₹2.92 lakh in counterfeit currency, along with printers, laptops, mobile phones, and other equipment used for printing fake notes.
According to the police, the accused planned to circulate counterfeit notes primarily among small shopkeepers and crowded religious locations, where cash transactions are common and fake currency is less likely to be detected quickly. The crackdown began on June 28, when Shyampur Police arrested three suspects during a routine checking operation and recovered ₹52,500 in fake notes.
Further interrogation led investigators to other members of the network. On June 30, police arrested three more accused and recovered ₹50,000 in counterfeit currency, along with a printer, laptop, mobile phones, and other materials allegedly used for producing fake notes.
The operation continued on July 6, when Kotwali Police arrested four additional suspects with ₹84,500 in fake currency. During police custody remand on July 11, fresh disclosures by the accused led a special police team to Punjab, where two more suspects were arrested. Police recovered ₹1.05 lakh in counterfeit notes, a printer, and a car allegedly used in the operation.
Police officials said Haridwar was specifically chosen because thousands of pilgrims visit the city every day, resulting in high volumes of cash transactions. Authorities believe the accused intended to exploit busy religious sites and temporary markets, where small vendors may find it difficult to identify counterfeit notes during peak business hours.
Investigators are now examining the wider network and identifying additional associates linked to the racket. Police said further action will be taken as the investigation progresses.
