Surat: A major counterfeit currency racket was uncovered in Surat's Lal Gate area when local police intercepted a suspicious Mahindra Xylo vehicle near the old Ashakta Ashram during routine patrol. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered three large bundles of ₹500 notes, many of which were printed with markings such as "Children Bank of India" and "Bhartiya Bacchon Ka Bank." Additionally, foreign currency notes were also found concealed in the vehicle's dashboard.
As per report, the two suspects inside the vehicle, identified as Mansuri Mohammad Arif and Akram Ali Sheikh, were immediately taken into custody. Preliminary questioning revealed that the fake notes were allegedly provided to them by one Thakorbhai Maganbhai Parmar, a resident of the Randher area.
Following the seizure, a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) was summoned for on-site assessment. The seized fake currency, including play notes and foreign bills, was confiscated and sent to the FSL headquarters in Gandhinagar for detailed verification. Police stated that out of the total ₹50,000 in recovered notes, 112 were confirmed to be counterfeit.
According to a senior officer from Lal Gate police, the seized notes have been forwarded for forensic testing to determine the full extent of the forgery. Based on the findings of the FSL report, authorities will proceed with legal actions and identify additional suspects involved in the network.
Meanwhile, an active search has been launched for the main accused, Thakorbhai Parmar. Authorities are working to dismantle the wider network suspected of being involved in the distribution and circulation of fake currency.
The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit currency in Surat, prompting the police to step up vigilance and intensify checks across the city to prevent further spread of such illegal activities.
