Ahmedabad/Surat, March 27 (NationPress) A significant player in a counterfeit currency operation involving forged Rs 500 notes has been apprehended by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch as the investigation broadens into a network allegedly connected to a self-proclaimed spiritual leader referred to by his associates as “Yoga Guru.”

The detained individual, Bhavesh Gajera (46), hailing from Kamrej in Surat, was arrested for his involvement in the creation and distribution of counterfeit Indian currency and has been placed in police custody for a duration of six days.

This arrest follows a significant raid on March 18, during which the Crime Branch intercepted a vehicle in the Amraiwadi area and detained seven suspects, including a female accomplice.

Authorities seized counterfeit Rs 500 notes with a total face value of Rs 2,48,26,500 from the vehicle.

The suspects were reportedly en route to distribute the counterfeit currency at the time of their capture and were subsequently held for 10 days for further interrogation.

An official disclosed, “Another individual involved in the production of fake Indian currency notes has also been arrested,” stating that Gajera was “actively engaged in the conspiracy to print counterfeit notes.”

Investigators have ascertained that in early February 2026, Gajera, alongside co-conspirators Mukesh Thummar and Ramesh Balar, had already circulated counterfeit currency valued at around Rs 20 lakh.

Law enforcement indicated that Gajera was part of a premeditated conspiracy orchestrated by the primary suspect, Pradip Jotangia, identified in the investigation as a self-styled spiritual leader or “Guru/Baba,” along with his accomplices.

The Crime Branch noted that Gajera facilitated financial support for acquiring the necessary equipment and materials for printing the counterfeit notes and played a role in their distribution.

Three mobile phones valued at Rs 15,000 were confiscated from his possession.

This case is part of a broader counterfeit currency operation that authorities claim originated from an ashram-based setup in Surat associated with the group.

Previous investigations revealed a printing unit equipped with printers, cutting machinery, and specialized paper mimicking legitimate currency sheets.

According to police, the network operated in a structured manner, with members sourcing high-quality paper featuring imitation security features from suppliers in China and establishing printing operations in residential locations.

The group initially tested their counterfeit notes through minor transactions before expanding their distribution via informal channels like local markets and intermediaries.

Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing to identify more individuals involved in the operation, trace the supply chain of materials, and uncover the full scope of the scheme.