Pune Crime News: Police Seize Rs.10.35 Lakh in Fake Rs.500 Notes, Five Arrested
Pune Crime News: Police Seize Rs.10.35 Lakh in Fake Rs.500 Notes, Five Arrested
The Pune city police have seized 2,070 fake Rs 500 notes, valued at Rs 10.35 lakh, during an investigation into a counterfeit currency racket busted in October 2024. Five individuals—Nilesh Virkar (33), Saifan Patel (26), Afzal Shah (19), Shahid Qureshi (25), and Shahfahad Ansari (22)—have been arrested. Following fresh leads, a police team has been dispatched to Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, to trace the manufacturers of the fake notes.
The case began on October 8, 2024, when Nilesh Virkar was apprehended near the Padmavati bus stop with 250 fake notes. His interrogation revealed connections with other accused involved in circulating counterfeit currency, leading to further arrests. Ansari, the key supplier, was re-arrested last week, which resulted in the seizure of more fake notes in Palghar.
Police believe the counterfeit currency originated from Delhi and Ghaziabad. All accused are in judicial custody, and the seized notes have been sent to Nashik currency press for verification. Efforts to track the manufacturers are ongoing, said Senior Inspector Chhagan Kapase of Sahkarnagar police station.
