Telangana Police Bust Fake Currency Gang That Learned From YouTube Videos

Telangana Police have arrested a husband-wife duo for allegedly manufacturing and circulating counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes after learning the process through online videos. The arrests were made in Nalgonda district following an investigation into the circulation of fake currency in local markets. Authorities seized counterfeit notes, printing equipment, paper stock and other materials allegedly used in the operation.

The accused have been identified as Bezawada Rajeev, also known as Raju, aged 38, and his wife Durgam Pavani, aged 26. According to police officials, the couple established a small-scale counterfeit currency unit at their residence after acquiring technical knowledge from videos available on YouTube. Investigators said the pair purchased an HP printer, bond paper and related materials online before beginning production of fake notes.

Nalgonda Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Shivaram Reddy stated that the accused printed counterfeit Rs 500 notes on high-quality bond paper and manually cut them to resemble genuine currency. Police said the couple attempted to improve the appearance of the forged notes using simple tools and materials available at home. The counterfeit currency was then allegedly introduced into circulation through routine commercial transactions.

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According to the investigation, the accused primarily targeted crowded shops, weekly markets and busy business establishments where transactions are completed quickly and verification of currency is less likely. Police officials said elderly shopkeepers were among their preferred targets because fake notes could often pass unnoticed during cash exchanges in busy environments.

The operation came to light after a milk vendor, identified as Avula Kiran, reportedly received a counterfeit Rs 500 note and filed a complaint with local police. A special team was subsequently formed to trace those responsible. Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, officers raided the accused's residence on June 15 and arrested both individuals.

During the raid, police recovered 15 counterfeit Rs 500 notes with a face value of Rs 7,500, along with a printer-cum-scanner, 100 sheets of bond paper, cut paper pieces, scissors, steel rulers, a sparkle pen and an unregistered motorcycle. Further investigations revealed that Rajeev is a repeat offender with multiple criminal cases registered against him, including murder, attempted murder and several counterfeit currency offences in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the counterfeit currency network.

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