Counterfeit Operation Uncovered in Nagpur

Law enforcement authorities in Nagpur have launched a statewide manhunt for a tenant who allegedly established an illicit counterfeit currency printing operation inside a rented residential premise. The operation came to light after a dispute over accumulated unpaid rent escalated into a police investigation.

According to the Wathoda Police, the accused has been identified as Pushpak Krishna Bhandarkar, also known as Bendane, a resident of Trimurti Nagar in Nagpur. Investigators revealed that Bhandarkar had allegedly been printing counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes from a room located in the Kharbi area of the city.

Discovery Following a Rental Dispute

The illicit enterprise was exposed after a confrontation between the tenant and his landlord, identified as Ramesh. Investigators note that Bhandarkar had rented the premises approximately a year and a half ago. Although the formal rental agreement expired in January, the tenant allegedly defaulted on rent payments for several consecutive months.

Tensions reached a boiling point when the landlord demanded that Bhandarkar vacate the property. Instead of complying, the tenant allegedly threatened the landlord with a knife. Following the altercation, the landlord approached the Wathoda Police station to lodge a non-cognisable complaint.

Police Raid Yields Printing Equipment and Fake Notes

When Bhandarkar remained absent from the property for an extended period, the landlord ultimately decided to force entry into the room, breaking the lock with a hammer. Upon entering, the landlord discovered bundles of currency notes stored inside a bucket, scattered sheets of paper, and an active printing setup, prompting an immediate call to the authorities.

Local police teams swiftly secured the scene. Officers brought in a specialized currency counting machine to evaluate the recovered cash. Preliminary forensic and police examinations indicated that counterfeit Rs 500 notes amounting to approximately Rs 37 lakh had been successfully printed.

Furthermore, authorities recovered partially printed currency sheets and dedicated printing machinery. The total estimated value of the seized notes, semi-finished paper, and equipment is valued at approximately Rs 48 lakh.

Ongoing Manhunt

Police have seized all materials and launched a comprehensive investigation into the scale of the operation and potential accomplices. Initial tracking indicates that the accused fled to Mumbai. A dedicated police team is slated to travel to Mumbai to track down and apprehend Bhandarkar as the investigation continues.