In Gujarat, a vegetable vendor allegedly learned how to print counterfeit currency notes through Instagram Reels and Telegram. Hoping to make quick money, he reportedly began printing fake ₹100 and ₹500 notes. During the police investigation, it was revealed that he got the idea after watching an Instagram Reel.
In Gujarat’s Rajkot district, a vegetable vendor allegedly learned a “ninja technique” for printing counterfeit currency notes through online sources. According to the police investigation, he began printing fake ₹100 and ₹500 notes after learning the process online.
Investigators also found that the accused got the idea of making quick money after watching an Instagram Reel. He then reportedly used Telegram to learn how to print counterfeit notes.
Police have arrested the accused and seized fake currency notes and other equipment from his residence. The total value of the seized items is estimated at around ₹65,000.
Where Did He Learn to Print Counterfeit Notes?
During police questioning, Kishan reportedly told investigators that he worked as a vegetable vendor. His income was limited, and he had accumulated considerable debt. According to police, Kishan was casually scrolling through Instagram Reels one day when a video appeared on his feed showing a person allegedly explaining how to make counterfeit ₹100 and ₹500 notes.
The video reportedly gave Kishan the idea of making quick money. He contacted the person featured in the Reel, after which the two allegedly continued their conversation on Telegram.
According to the investigation, Kishan learned how to print counterfeit currency using a printer through these conversations. He then allegedly set up the necessary equipment at his home to produce fake notes.
Investigators also found that Kishan allegedly gave his trainer counterfeit notes worth ₹10,000 and received ₹3,000 in return. Police are now searching for the person who allegedly trained him.
How Did He Put the Fake Notes Into Circulation?
The investigation reportedly revealed another detail. Instead of selling the counterfeit notes directly, Kishan allegedly tried to circulate them through small transactions.
He initially used fake ₹100 notes to make purchases at local shops. Since the denomination was relatively small, the notes allegedly went unchecked in several transactions. Police said he used the same method extensively during a Janmashtami fair.
What Did Police Recover From His House?
According to the report, police recovered 216 counterfeit ₹100 notes and three counterfeit ₹500 notes from Kishan’s house.
Investigators also seized a CPU, monitor, two printers, a laminator-heater machine, butter paper and paper reportedly used for printing ₹100 notes. The total value of the seized material and counterfeit currency was estimated at around ₹65,000.
A court has reportedly remanded the accused to three days of police custody. During the remand period, investigators will question Kishan about how many counterfeit notes he allegedly printed and circulated.
Police are also searching for his alleged trainer and investigating whether the operation extended beyond Rajkot.
