Full Breakdown
Counterfeit INR500 Notes Worth Tens of Lakhs Seized in Nagpur
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Police Raid Reveals Large-Scale Fake-Currency Cache
On a Saturday in Nagpur’s Kharbi area, Wathoda police entered a rented flat after the landlord broke the lock due to unpaid rent. Officers discovered bundles of counterfeit INR500 notes, a printer, a laptop and printing supplies. The seized notes were valued at more than INR37 lakh, with partially printed material bringing the total estimated worth to approximately INR48 lakh.
Investigation Details and Suspect Profile
The tenant identified by police is Pushpak Krishna Bhandarkar, also known as “Bendane,” a 29-year-old resident of Trimurti Nagar. He had taken the flat on September 26 of the previous year and stopped paying rent after the lease expired in January. According to the landlord, Ramesh Harde, the tenant threatened him with a knife when asked to vacate. Police have recorded a non-cognisable complaint and are verifying the authenticity of the identity documents provided in the rental agreement. Investigators are also tracing the suspect’s last known location, which they say is Mumbai, and have alerted Mumbai police to coordinate a search.
Scale of the Operation
Forensic examination indicated that the counterfeit batch consisted of 1,600 fake INR500 notes. In addition to the fully printed notes, partially printed sheets and other A4-size paper were recovered. A counting machine was used on-site to confirm the monetary value. Authorities are examining the printer and laptop to determine whether the operation is isolated or part of a broader network, and they are assessing potential distribution channels.
Official Response and Ongoing Search
State anti-terrorism squad (ATS) officers, along with state and central intelligence agencies, have joined the probe to assess the scope of the alleged economic-terror plot. Police have seized all material and are conducting forensic analysis of the printing equipment. A team is expected to travel to Mumbai to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Anticipated Next Steps
The investigation remains active, with authorities focusing on confirming the suspect’s identity, mapping any additional participants, and preventing further circulation of counterfeit currency. No further arrests have been reported, and the search for Pushpak Krishna Bhandarkar continues.