Mumbai: Despite the government's demonetisation drive in 2016 aimed at curbing black money and counterfeit currency, Maharashtra continues to struggle with the menace of fake currency. In a written response in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted that Pune and Bhiwandi have emerged as major hubs for the printing of counterfeit notes.
Responding to a question raised in the Assembly, Fadnavis revealed that from 2020 to date, the state has registered 273 cases related to fake currency operations, resulting in the arrest of 566 individuals.
He further informed that significant cases have been reported at Shivajinagar Police Station in Pune and in Bhiwandi, highlighting the growing scale and spread of the counterfeit note racket.
As per the data shared by the Chief Minister, Maharashtra Police have seized fake currency worth Rs 1.4 crore over the past five years. These seizures underscore the extent and seriousness of the fake note network still operating in the state.
The continued presence of counterfeit note operations in the post-demonetisation era poses a serious challenge to law enforcement and financial security. Authorities fear that these fake notes may be entering the market through various channels, contributing to economic disruptions and undermining public trust.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on such networks and has directed police forces to intensify vigilance in suspected hotspots like Pune and Bhiwandi.
