A fake Rs 500 note handed over while buying a packet of cigarettes from a grocery shop has led Karnataka Police to an alleged counterfeit currency printing unit operating on the outskirts of Bengaluru, resulting in the arrest of an MBA graduate who investigators say had only recently been released from prison in an earlier fake currency case, as per TOI.
According to police, Rudresh, who was arrested in 2024 in a major counterfeit currency racket, allegedly resumed printing fake notes soon after securing his release and had restarted the illegal operation from Gangondanahalli near Madanayakanahalli.
How did a cigarette purchase expose the alleged fake currency racket?
The investigation began with what initially appeared to be a routine purchase at a neighbourhood grocery store.
On July 2, Anjana Shetty, a 56-year-old grocery shop owner from Hosahalli Kaimara in CN Halli taluk of Tumakuru district, told police that two men travelling in a blue Maruti Alto bought a packet of cigarettes using a Rs 500 note.
After returning Rs 370 as change, she later examined the note more closely and suspected it was counterfeit.
She subsequently lodged a complaint at Huliyaru police station, setting off an investigation that eventually led officers to the alleged printing unit.
How did police trace the accused?
Following the complaint, a special investigation team comprising personnel from Huliyaru police and Madanayakanahalli police began tracking the suspects.
Police used vehicle tracking and technical surveillance to trace the movement of the blue Maruti Alto before identifying a hideout in Gangondanahalli near Madanayakanahalli on Bengaluru's outskirts.
A raid at the location led to the recovery of counterfeit currency notes, following which Rudresh was arrested.
Who is the accused?
According to police, Rudresh is an MBA graduate and was the prime accused in a counterfeit currency racket uncovered by Davanagere police in 2024.
Investigators had alleged that the earlier network circulated nearly Rs 20 lakh worth of fake currency within just three months.
Police now claim that after recently securing his release from prison, he restarted the counterfeit note printing operation.
What has police recovered?
During the raid, police seized counterfeit currency notes from the premises.
Investigators are now trying to determine the scale of the alleged operation, how many fake notes had already entered circulation and whether others were involved in producing or distributing the counterfeit currency.
Investigation continues
Police said further investigation is underway to identify other members of the alleged network and establish the full extent of the counterfeit currency operation.
(With TOI inputs)
