Nagpur police have busted a fake currency printing unit operating from a first-floor flat in the Three Star Cooperative Society in Wathoda. The raid recovered fake Rs 500 notes worth Rs 37 lakh, one-side printed currency-like paper worth Rs 48 lakh, a laptop, a high-tech colour printer and a paper cutter. Police estimate the total value of the seized material at Rs 37.83 lakh.
The unit was run by Pushpam Krishna Bandane, 29, a resident of Trimurti Nagar, who is now absconding, police said. He had taken the flat on rent on September 26, 2025, from its owner, Ramesh Gangadhar Harde, 55, a resident of Narhari Nagar on Manewada-Besa Road.
Owner finds notes scattered after rent unpaid
Harde told police that Bandane had not paid rent for the last two months and had not been in contact for three days. Concerned, Harde went to the flat at around 11:30 am on Saturday and, after getting no response, opened it with a master key.
Inside, he found currency notes scattered on a sofa and other items that raised suspicion, police said. Harde alerted the police, who reached the spot and began an investigation.
Flat had no tenant but notes and machinery inside
Police found that no one was living in the flat at the time of the raid, but the premises contained a laptop, a colour printer, a paper cutter and a large quantity of notes and printed paper.
The seized items included fake Rs 500 notes worth Rs 37 lakh and currency-like paper, printed on one side only, worth Rs 48 lakh, according to the figures given by the police.
Case registered, hunt on for absconding tenant
Police registered a case on the complaint of police constable Chetan Utkhede and have launched a search for Bandane.
The investigation is now focused on tracing the accused, finding out where the fake notes were being circulated, and whether others were involved in the operation, police said.
Further details about the seizure and the network behind the unit are awaited as the investigation continues.
