Gang Exposed for Printing Fake Currency in Prayagraj Madrasa Principal Among Arrested

Prayagraj Fake Note Operation Unveiled the Civil Lines Police Station of Prayagraj Police Commissionerate has successfully dismantled a gang involved in printing fake currency. The operation, which has drawn significant attention, revealed that a madrasa was being used as a clandestine printing facility.

Madrasa Misused for Counterfeit Operation

Authorities discovered that the gang had converted a room in Madrasa Jamia Habibiya Masjide Azam in the Attrasuiya police station area into a fake currency factory. The acting principal of the madrasa, Maulvi Mohammad Tafseerul Arifin, was among those arrested. The other individuals detained include Mohammad Afzal, Mohammad Shahid, and the alleged mastermind Zahir Khan, also known as Abdul Zahir.

Recovered Materials and Arrest Details

Police have seized 1,300 fake notes with a face value of Rs 1,30,000, along with 234 pages of uncut printed notes, a laptop, a color printer, and other related equipment. According to DCP City Deepak Bhukar, the gang operated using scanners and printers similar to those used for producing Aadhar cards. They had been active for the past two to three months, focusing on producing counterfeit Rs 100 notes, which they believed were easier to circulate.

Intelligence and Investigative Agencies Involved

The arrest has prompted heightened vigilance from intelligence agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Additional investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) may follow. A case has been registered under Sections 178, 179, 180, 181, and 182(1) of the Indian Penal Code.

Gang’s Operational Details

The gang employed a method where three fake notes were exchanged for one real note. Zahir Khan and Afzal managed this fraudulent exchange process. The principal of the madrasa, Maulvi Tafseerul Arifin, who is originally from Odisha, had provided the premises for this illegal activity.

Legal and Further Actions

In light of the severity of the crime, the police are considering additional charges under the Gangster Act. The arrested individuals will be held for further interrogation to uncover the full extent of their network. DCP City Deepak Bhukar has also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the police team responsible for exposing fake gang.