New Delhi: Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered an organised network allegedly involved in manufacturing and circulating counterfeit ₹20 coins in the market. The Western Range-1 team seized fake coins with a total face value of approximately ₹1 lakh and arrested four people, including the alleged mastermind and key supplier.
The operation began with the arrest of Paras Jain, who was allegedly transporting a consignment of counterfeit coins. Subsequent investigations led police to identify the alleged manufacturing unit and other members of the network operating across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
₹1 Lakh Worth of Counterfeit Coins Seized Near Mundka
Crime Branch DCP Harsh Indora said Sub-Inspector Guman Singh received specific information that a person would arrive near Mundka Industrial Area Metro Station in a white Toyota Etios carrying counterfeit ₹20 coins.
Acting on the information, a team led by Inspector Ashish Sharma laid a trap and intercepted the vehicle bearing registration number HR-26-EW-3688.
During the search, officers recovered a black laptop bag and 50 plastic packets kept in bags on the rear seat. Each packet contained 100 counterfeit coins, taking the total recovery to 5,000 coins with a combined face value of ₹1 lakh.
Investigation Leads Police to Alleged Mastermind
During questioning, Paras Jain allegedly disclosed that he had purchased the counterfeit coins from Upkar Luthra for approximately ₹70,000 and intended to circulate them in the market.
Further investigation revealed that Upkar was shifting his alleged coin manufacturing unit from Sonipat in Haryana to Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, along with his associates. A special operations team of Saharanpur Police had apprehended the group during this period.
Delhi Police subsequently brought five suspects from Saharanpur jail before a court for questioning. Following further investigation, Upkar Luthra, Anurag Pal alias Lankesh and Janardan Kumar Chaurasia alias Santosh were arrested. Two other suspects, Kuldeep and Himanshu alias Gullu, were also questioned.
What Else Was Recovered During the Operation?
Apart from the counterfeit coins, police seized the Toyota Etios used for transportation, an iPhone 12 Mini and a laptop bag.
An FIR numbered 214/2026 has been registered at the Crime Branch police station. All four arrested accused are currently in judicial custody.
Crime Branch Continues Probe Into Wider Network
The operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector Ashish Sharma, comprising Sub-Inspectors Prakash and Guman Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspector Sandeep Chawla, and Head Constables Saurav, Harpal and Amit.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police Raj Kumar and the direction of Crime Branch DCP Harsh Indora.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify other people allegedly involved in the network and establish the complete manufacturing and distribution chain behind the counterfeit coins.
