Jaipur, Oct 26 — The Commissionerate Special Team (CST) of Jaipur Police has seized counterfeit currency with a face value of Rs 3.45 lakh allegedly brought from Delhi for circulation during the Diwali festive season.
A 33-year-old man was arrested in the Bhatta Basti area on Sunday in connection with the case.
Special Commissioner of Police (Operations) Omprakash said the accused, Shahbaz Khan, a resident of Housing Board Colony in Nahari Ka Naka, had allegedly procured the counterfeit notes from the Jama Masjid area of Old Delhi.
According to police, the accused revealed that the deal involved obtaining counterfeit currency worth Rs 3 lakh in exchange for Rs 1 lakh in genuine currency. Investigators are now examining his local network and attempting to identify others involved in the racket.
Police recovered 690 counterfeit notes in the denomination of Rs 500, with a total face value of Rs 3.45 lakh. Omprakash said the seized notes appeared genuine at first glance, making them difficult to identify as counterfeit without closer examination.
The paper quality, printing, size and cutting of the notes closely resembled those of authentic currency. Police found a significant discrepancy in the serial numbers printed on one of the seized notes. While the number ‘ODG 787737’ appeared at the top, ‘ODG 787731’ was printed at the bottom.
On a genuine note, the serial number should match in both locations. The notes also reportedly featured a watermark, further adding to their resemblance to genuine currency.
However, discrepancies in the serial numbers, along with the paper and printing quality, helped investigators identify them as counterfeit. Police said counterfeit currency networks often become active during the festive season, when cash transactions increase.
The accused allegedly planned to circulate the notes in the market during Diwali. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to establish the source of the counterfeit currency and identify other people linked to the operation.
Earlier, police have also urged the public to remain vigilant while handling cash. Anyone who suspects a note is counterfeit should avoid circulating it and seek verification through appropriate banking channels.
Suspicious notes can be examined using recognised currency-authentication methods, including ultraviolet-light checks where applicable.