THE Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has launched a parallel investigation into a counterfeit currency printing racket uncovered at arented house in Chaitanyeshwar Nagar, Kharbi. Wathoda Police had found printing equipment and bundles of suspected fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 37 lakh. The tenant, Pushpam Krishna Bandane (30), is absconding. Bandane, a native of Trimurti Nagar, had been staying at the house owned by Ramesh Gangadhar Harde at Plot No. 18, Chaitanyeshwar Nagar, for around one-and-a-half years.

 

The racket came to light after Harde grew suspicious when Bandane remained absent for several days. The rent agreement had expired in January, and the tenant had allegedly failed to pay rent. The landlord had e a r l i e r approached the police after B a n d a n e a l l e g e d l y threatened him with a weapon over the rent dispute. When the landlord broke open the lock, he found a printer, printing material and bundles of suspected counterfeit Rs 500 notes. Some notes were printed on both sides, while others had printing on only one side. The material was kept inside the room, including notes stored in a bucket. The Wathoda Police, led by Police Inspector Pramod Pore, registered a case and began i n v e s t i g a t i n g the suspected currency printing operation. The police are trying to trace Bandane and establish how long the operation had been running.

 

 

THE recovery has raised concerns about whether the counterfeit notes were circulated in the market and whether other people were involved. Investigators are examining the seized material and questioning people who may have had contact with Bandane. A senior police official said, “We are trying to trace the absconding accused and establish whether any counterfeit notes reached the market. The source of the printing material and the possible involvement of other people are also being examined.” The ATS has initiated a parallel probe to determine whether the operation had links beyond Nagpur. Investigators are expected to examine the possible supply chain, distribution network and financial links. The police are also trying to establish the duration of the operation and the total volume of counterfeit currency produced. Officials said the investigation would help determine whether Bandane acted alone or had assistance from others. The accused’s arrest remains crucial to uncovering the full extent of the racket.