Ahilyanagar police busted a fake currency factory in Waluj MIDC, seizing ₹59.20 lakh in fake notes and arresting 7. The gang had nationwide links; the kingpin remains absconding.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | August 2, 2025: In a major crackdown, the Ahilyanagar police have dismantled a fake currency printing factory operating from the Waluj MIDC area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Counterfeit ₹500 notes amounting to ₹59.20 lakh were seized, along with printing machinery worth ₹27.90 lakh, ink, paper, and other materials. So far, seven people have been arrested, while the kingpin is still absconding.
The Case That Unraveled the Scam
The breakthrough came on July 27, when two individuals were caught using fake ₹500 notes to purchase a packet of cigarettes at a shop in Ambilwadi Shivara along the Ahilyanagar-Solapur road. Acting on a tip-off, police nabbed Nikhil Shivaji Gangarde and Somnath Manik Shinde, seizing ₹80,000 in counterfeit notes from their possession.
This seemingly minor purchase proved costly — not just for them, but for the entire racket.
Step-by-Step Unmasking of the Racket
Upon interrogation, Gangarde and Shinde revealed that the counterfeit notes were supplied by a man from Beed, leading to the arrest of Pradeep Sanjay Kapre. Further questioning exposed a full-fledged fake currency factory in the Waluj MIDC area. Police then arrested four more accused: Mangesh Pandhari Shirsath,Vinod Damodhar Arbat, Akash Prakash Bansode,Kaanil (Anil) Sudhakar Pawar.
The gang had rented a bungalow in Sajapur-Kranti Nagar and converted it into a covert counterfeit printing unit, equipped with note printing machines, cutting machines, and halogen lights.
The Mastermind Still on the Run
The main accused, Ambadas Rambhau Sasane, has reportedly absconded and is believed to be hiding in the Ahilyanagar district. A manhunt is currently underway.
Bhopal Link and Wider Network
During the investigation, police uncovered that ink and paper used for printing were sourced from Bhopal. The gang has links to Shevgaon (Ahmednagar), Beed, and Pune, indicating a broader network. The modus operandi included frequently changing factory locations to avoid suspicion, targeting areas with minimal local scrutiny.
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