Inter-State Gangs Target Farmers With Fake Notes In North Telangana

NIZAMABAD: Incidents involving fake currency have increased in several north Telangana districts in recent times, with fraudsters targeting gullible people by circulating counterfeit ₹500 denomination notes. Varni police, under the Nizamabad Police Commissionerate, busted a fake currency gang and traced its modus operandi.

Police said the gang primarily targeted farmers in villages, luring them with offers to clear crop loans. Victims were promised ₹3 lakh in fake currency in exchange for ₹1 lakh in genuine notes. To attract people, some individuals even circulated misleading social media reels showcasing supposed currency “distribution”.

As a result, several people in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts fell prey to the racket and approached middlemen. Police found that inter-State gangs from Telangana and Maharashtra were involved in manufacturing the fake currency and transporting it to interior villages for circulation.

The racket came to light when a farmer tried to repay a crop loan at the Varni mandal headquarters using counterfeit notes, which were detected by bank staff. Following the complaint, some of the accused went absconding. However, police have so far arrested eight persons in fake currency-related cases and are continuing efforts to trace inter-State gangs.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Bodhan Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Srinivas said police are strictly preventing the circulation of fake currency. He noted that the increased use of UPI and digital payments has significantly reduced the need for physical cash.

“Nearly 50 per cent of cash circulation has already come down due to UPI transactions,” he said, adding that while a few people intentionally attempt to use fake notes, such cases are increasingly being detected by banks, traders and the public. He advised people to remain cautious while handling currency in both business and personal transactions.