Two individuals were arrested by the Hyderabad Police on Sunday for allegedly printing and circulating fake Indian currency. The accused, Vanam Laxminarayana and Erukala Pranay Kumar, were caught with over Rs4 lakh worth of counterfeit notes. The police seized 810 fake Rs500 notes intended for circulation in the market.
According to Inspector Anjaneyulu, the prime accused, Vanam Laxminarayana, had a background in computer technology and used a range of equipment, including a screen printer, green foil paper, JK Excel bond paper, cutters, and a lamination machine to produce the counterfeit currency. Laxminarayana reportedly got the idea for the crime after watching the popular ‘Farzi’ web series, which revolves around the illegal printing of fake currency.
His accomplice, Erukala Pranay Kumar, was apprehended while testing the fake money at a fruit and vegetable market, where he was caught with Rs20,000 in counterfeit currency.
The police further revealed that Laxminarayana, who had been previously involved in a mortgage fraud, recruited Kumar to help with the printing and distribution of the fake notes, promising him a share of the profits.
The police have seized printers, scanners, and other equipment used in the operation. Both accused are being interrogated to understand the full scope of their activities and whether they were involved in any larger criminal network.
This bust highlights the increasing cases of counterfeit currency and the innovative ways criminals are attempting to circulate fake money. Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and track down other potential accomplices.
