Saharanpur: Police have busted an alleged counterfeit coin manufacturing network operating across several states, arresting five men and seizing six machines along with thousands of fake Rs 20 coins in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur.
The accused were allegedly shifting machinery from a facility in Haryana’s Sonipat district after shutting down a counterfeit coin unit that operated under the cover of a screwdriver manufacturing business for nearly 10 months.
According to police, the September 13 operation led to the recovery of 6,400 counterfeit coins worth Rs 1.28 lakh, along with unfinished coins estimated at Rs 5 lakh. Investigators said the accused claimed to have circulated fake coins worth over Rs 70 crore across Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. The figure is yet to be independently verified.
Police identified the alleged key accused as Upkar Luthra, who reportedly used his previous experience as a goldsmith to develop the manufacturing process. Investigators said the group sourced metal rings and specially made dies before using heavy machinery to produce counterfeit coins.
The accused allegedly supplied packets of 100 coins, offering Rs 200 worth of fake currency for Rs 160. These were reportedly distributed through intermediaries and circulated at toll plazas, liquor shops and small retail outlets.
Police said the gang’s operations were divided among its members, with different individuals handling production, finishing, factory management and distribution.
Investigators are also examining possible links to earlier counterfeit coin manufacturing cases in Delhi in 2016 and Haryana in 2019. Police said producing counterfeit currency is a serious offence punishable with imprisonment that may extend to life.
