78 held for possessing fake currency notes in Maharashtra this year

Mumbai: As of June 15, 2025, 78 persons were arrested in the state for possessing fake currency notes in the state this year, said CM Devendra Fadnavis in a written reply to a question raised by NCP MLC Sanjay Khodke.

According to the data provided in the written reply by the home department, in 2020, a total of 71 accused were arrested in 34 cases of fake currency. In 2021, 98 accused were arrested in 48 cases. In 2022, 99 accused were arrested in 46 cases, and in 2023, 82 were arrested in 40 cases. In 2024, these numbers went up by over 50% as 138 accused were arrested in 68 cases. This year, until June 15, 2025, 78 accused were arrested in 37 cases.

Fadnavis further stated that fake currency notes worth Rs 28.91 lakh were seized by Pune Police on April 17, 2025. Similarly, the Bhiwandi crime branch unit of Thane Commissionerate carried out raids on May 3, 2025, and seized fake currency notes worth Rs 45.50 lakh at Bhiwandi in Thane district. He also said seven accused in the Pune case and six accused in the Bhiwandi case were arrested. The CM also mentioned that the equipment and materials used in the crime were seized and sent for investigation, and the govt has been taking action against active groups involved in the printing of fake currencies.