Ahmedabad Police on Friday arrested three youths after recovering 83,000 in counterfeit 500 notes, multiple phones, cash and a Santro car fitted with a fake number plate. A fourth accused, believed to be the supplier of the fake currency, is still absconding.
A Satellite Police patrol near ISKCON crossroads received a tip-off around 11 pm about a silver Santro heading towards Shivranjini with counterfeit notes. Police intercepted the vehicle and detained its occupants — Devansh Melabhai Patel (24), Vaibhav Mahendrabhai Patel (24) and Sachin Kumar Amarendra Kumar (23).
In the presence of panch witnesses, officers seized 166 fake ₹500 notes, many with repeated serial numbers, along with genuine cash, several mobile phones and the Santro, which carried a forged number plate (GJ16AA1359) placed over the original registration (GJ16CH7972). Police said the fake plate was used to avoid detection.
Forensic expert R. B. Majmudar later confirmed the notes were counterfeit after examining their security features.
Items seized include ₹83,000 in counterfeit currency, 3.45 lakh in genuine cash, five mobile phones, the car, two fake plates and an Aadhaar card.
During questioning, the trio claimed the counterfeit notes were supplied by Abhishek Chaurav of Kolkata, who is currently on the run. They also allegedly confessed to using a mix of fake and genuine notes to buy a mobile phone via OLX.
Police said the group conspired to circulate counterfeit currency and cheat sellers through online platforms. The three accused were arrested, and efforts are underway to trace the fourth suspect. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS for possession and circulation of fake currency, forgery and conspiracy.