What Major Fake Currency Racket Was Uncovered in MP's Khandwa Madrasa?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Major counterfeit currency operation uncovered in a madrasa in Khandwa.
- Seizure of Rs 19 lakh in fake notes and printing equipment.
- Imam Zuber Ansari arrested in Malegaon, revealing interstate links.
- Authorities suspect advanced technology used for printing.
- Ongoing investigations to trace the network.
Khandwa, Nov 3 (NationPress) In a startling discovery, the Madhya Pradesh Police have dismantled a significant counterfeit currency scheme concealed within a madrasa located in Rehtiya village under the jurisdiction of Jawar police station. The authorities recovered fake currency notes totaling around Rs 19 lakh, alongside sophisticated printing equipment.
This operation came to light following the apprehension of mosque Imam Zuber Ansari (also known as Zuber, son of Asraf) in Malegaon, Maharashtra, where he was found in possession of Rs 10 lakh in counterfeit bills, leading to a coordinated raid across state lines.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mahendra Tarnekar elaborated on the operation: "The accused, a Maulana who leads prayers, allegedly operated the counterfeit currency printing enterprise disguised as a religious figure. We confiscated a currency printing machine, stacks of fake Rs 500 and Rs 100 notes, and other suspicious documents from his quarters above the madrasa. Investigations are ongoing regarding the Malegaon connection. Our teams are still actively looking into this matter, backed by information from reliable sources and video evidence.
As the police continue to tally the counterfeit notes, the majority are in Rs 500 and Rs 100 denominations. This breakthrough was triggered by the Maharashtra Police's intervention in Malegaon, where Zuber and an accomplice were caught distributing counterfeit bills.
Further questioning unveiled the Khandwa connection, prompting Jawar police to raid the madrasa in Rehtiya (also known as Raitiya or Machhauri Raiyat).
SDOP Khandwa confirmed the inspection of the madrasa premises where Zuber had been residing. "We acted swiftly upon receiving information through a video, leading to the seizure of Rs 19 lakh in counterfeit currency," an officer stated.
A case has been filed, and investigations are ongoing to trace the network's suppliers and distributors.
Zuber, who hails from Haripura in Burhanpur district, had been residing at the madrasa for several months. The village was thrown into panic as news of the imam's double life spread, leaving locals in disbelief.
Authorities suspect an interstate racket that may be utilizing advanced printing technology to replicate security features.
This seizure marks a significant addition to Madhya Pradesh's ongoing fight against counterfeit currency, shedding light on vulnerabilities in remote regions. The police are urging both banks and citizens to report any suspicious currency, as the investigation intensifies into potential smuggling routes that are frequently exploited in such operations. The madrasa has been sealed off pending further investigations.