Rs 20 Lakh in Fake Notes Seized from Khandwa Madrasa
A major fake currency racket has been uncovered in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, where police seized counterfeit notes worth nearly Rs 20 lakh from a local madrasa. The raid was conducted following the arrest of a Muslim cleric in Maharashtra’s Malegaon, who was earlier caught with fake notes during a police operation.
The incident took place in Paithiya village under Khandwa’s Jawar police station limits. The arrest and subsequent raid have sparked panic among local residents, who witnessed the dramatic police operation on Sunday evening.
According to officials, the seized fake notes were found inside a bag in the cleric’s quarters. Most of the recovered currency consisted of Rs 500 denominations, along with several bundles of Rs 200 notes.
Malegaon Arrest Exposes Khandwa Connection
The cleric, identified as Zubair Ansari, had been appointed as the imam of the Paithiya madrasa just three months ago. A native of Burhanpur, Ansari had been taking frequent leaves since his appointment. On October 26, he reportedly left the village after claiming his mother was unwell.
Days later, Malegaon Police arrested Zubair along with an associate, Nazim Ansari, also from Burhanpur. Acting on a specific tip-off, the duo was intercepted near Hotel Avon on the Mumbai–Agra Highway on October 29. Officers recovered counterfeit notes worth Rs 10 lakh from their possession.
During interrogation, Zubair’s connection to the Khandwa madrasa emerged, prompting Malegaon Police to alert their counterparts in Madhya Pradesh. Soon after, Khandwa Police raided the premises and discovered almost double the amount seized earlier — a total of Rs 19 lakh in fake notes.
Police Probe Underway into Counterfeit Network
Khandwa’s Additional Superintendent of Police Mahendra Tarnekar confirmed that the raid was conducted under the supervision of senior officers. “We have recovered fake currency with a total face value of approximately Rs 19 lakh. Most of the notes are Rs 500 denominations,” Tarnekar stated.
The Jawhar Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and begun a detailed investigation. Officials suspect the involvement of a larger counterfeit currency network operating across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Preliminary findings suggest that the fake notes could have been circulated through inter-state channels, possibly involving digital printing or smuggling routes from nearby regions. Authorities are also examining whether any other individuals associated with the madrasa were aware of the illegal activity.
Villagers in Paithiya recognized Zubair from a viral video of his Malegaon arrest and quickly informed the police. Acting on this lead, the Khandwa Police intensified their search operation.
Madrasa Committee Denies Any Role
Following the raid, the madrasa’s management committee distanced itself from the accused cleric. Kaleem Khan, head of the Paithiya mosque committee, stated that they were unaware of Zubair’s alleged criminal links. “We appointed him based on his religious background and conduct. We had no idea about his involvement in illegal activities,” Khan said.
The committee has offered full cooperation with the police investigation. Authorities have sealed the cleric’s quarters and are verifying documents related to his appointment and background.
Meanwhile, police sources indicated that further arrests are likely, as investigators continue to trace the source of the fake notes. The recovered currency has been sent for forensic analysis to determine printing quality, serial patterns, and possible origins.
Widening Investigation Expected
Officials believe that the Malegaon-Khandwa connection could be part of a wider counterfeit currency network extending across central India. Investigators are working to identify suppliers, intermediaries, and distribution routes.
“Once the interrogation of the Malegaon accused is completed, more information will surface,” said an officer involved in the probe. The police are coordinating efforts between both states to dismantle the suspected racket.
The case has raised serious concerns over counterfeit money circulation in rural areas, where fake notes can easily enter small markets and daily transactions. Law enforcement agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious currency.