Bhadrak: In a major crackdown on counterfeit currency operations, Bhadrak police arrested two persons, including a notorious criminal mastermind, and seized fake notes having face value of nearly ₹2.79 lakh. The operation began with the arrest of a youth in Deulapal village and led to the unraveling of an inter-state counterfeit network.
The breakthrough came when Manas Sahu, a local youth, was caught attempting to buy goods with fake currency in Deulapal village.
Police recovered ₹7,100 in counterfeit notes from him. During interrogation, Sahu revealed crucial details about the syndicate, pointing to Chandramani alias Chandan Bala, a known criminal from Jajpur district, as the mastermind.
Acting on intelligence, a police team raided Chandan Bala’s hideout, arresting him and seizing fake notes having face value of ₹2.72 lakh. Investigations exposed his extensive criminal history, including past arrests in Andhra Pradesh, Jajpur, and Balasore for similar offences. Police disclosed that Bala operated an exchange racket, offering counterfeit ₹1 lakh in return for ₹20,000 in genuine currency.
In a press conference, Bhadrak police emphasized the economic dangers of counterfeit currency and pledged to dismantle the entire network.
“These arrests are a critical step in stopping the flow of fake money in Odisha and beyond,” an official stated. Police are now tracking down additional accomplices linked to the racket.
