Lucknow: Police busted an inter-district counterfeit currency racket operating across eastern UP, arresting five accused, including a Nepalese national and the gang leader. Fake currency of ₹4.2 lakh and three motorcycles were recovered from their possession. Investigators suspect the counterfeit notes were being smuggled into India through Nepal.Revealing details of the operation, ASP Shyamkant said the accused were arrested near Baksai Tiraaha under the jurisdiction of Walterganj police station with the help of the SWAT and surveillance teams. The gang was active in multiple districts, including Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, Balrampur, Ayodhya and Basti.During interrogation, police identified the gang leader as Mustafa, resident of Nathwadi Itai Rampur village in Balrampur district. His associate Nayiullah is also from Balrampur. Other arrested members include Hachirurrahman from Sant Kabir Nagar, Nageebullah Usmani from Maharajganj and Manikant Chaudhary, resident of Nepal, who was staying in a village in Maharajganj district.According to police, the gang primarily targeted customers of rural banks. They would follow individuals withdrawing cash and lure them with offers of instantly doubling their money. Once a victim fell into the trap, the accused would take genuine cash and hand over bundles of counterfeit notes, cleverly packed with a few real notes on top and bottom to avoid immediate suspicion.Police had been tracking the gang following multiple complaints and finally apprehended them based on a tip-off.Seven Android mobile phones were also seized and their data is being analysed to trace the broader network.Officials said efforts are underway to identify other gang members and victims. A case has been registered against the accused, who have been produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
