Rs.2.9 Crore Fake Currency Racket Busted: Yoga Guru Among 6 Arrested

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a major crackdown that has sent shockwaves across Gujarat’s law enforcement and financial circles, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has busted a massive fake currency racket worth nearly ₹2.9 crore, arresting six individuals—including a controversial yoga guru—accused of printing and circulating counterfeit ₹500 notes.

Acting on specific intelligence, Crime Branch officials laid a late-night trap in Ahmedabad’s Amraiwadi area, where suspicious movements led to the detention of six persons, including a woman. A staggering ₹2.10 crore worth of fake ₹500 notes were recovered on the spot. Simultaneously, coordinated raids in Surat led to the seizure of an additional ₹80 lakh in counterfeit currency, exposing the scale and sophistication of the operation.

According to officials, the fake notes were printed in Surat and transported to Ahmedabad for circulation using a vehicle linked to the Satyam Yoga Foundation. Shockingly, the car bore markings of the Government of India and the AYUSH Ministry—an apparent attempt to avoid suspicion. “This was a well-planned operation using religious and institutional cover to circulate fake currency,” a senior Crime Branch officer said.

The investigation soon led police to the ashram of Shri Satya Yoga Foundation in Stad Pardi village of Kamrej taluka in Surat district, where the counterfeit notes were allegedly printed. During the raid, officials seized printing equipment, documents, and materials used in producing fake currency. “The printing setup was active and capable of producing large volumes of counterfeit notes,” an officer revealed.

Further probe in Surat’s Sarthana area uncovered another cache of fake notes and machinery at the residence of Mukesh Patel, an associate of the main accused. Police recovered printers and other suspicious items, while Patel has been detained for questioning. Officials believe more individuals could be linked to the network.

The alleged mastermind, Pradeep Jotangia alias Pradeep Guruji, associated with the Satyam Yoga Foundation, has been arrested. His background has added another layer of controversy to the case. Previously in the spotlight in 2018 after a suicide attempt and serious allegations against fellow ashram members, Guruji was reportedly running yoga classes in Rajkot before shifting operations to Surat.

Police teams have now reached Rajkot to investigate possible links. Guruji’s brother, Amit Jotangia, who currently runs a yoga class, is being questioned. Authorities are scanning his mobile phone, documents, and possible financial links. “We are examining whether the network extended beyond Surat and Ahmedabad and if Rajkot had any operational role,” an investigating officer stated.

The modus operandi of the gang was equally alarming. The accused had devised a scheme offering ₹1,500 in fake currency in exchange for ₹500 in genuine notes. For a consignment of ₹2 crore in counterfeit currency, they were to receive ₹66 lakh in real cash. “This indicates an organized attempt to penetrate the market and lure unsuspecting individuals with quick gains,” police said.

Investigators also revealed that the accused had begun building a nationwide distribution network by recruiting agents with promises of high commissions. “They were in the early stages of expanding operations across India. This arrest may have prevented a much larger economic threat,” an officer added.

Meanwhile, Crime Branch teams are grappling with the massive task of documenting over 40,000 seized notes. Officials said the panchnama process, including recording serial numbers, has been ongoing since late night, highlighting the scale of the seizure.

Authorities are now probing the full extent of the racket—how many fake notes were already in circulation, links to other states, and whether more players are involved. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We suspect a larger network and are working to dismantle it” said a senior officer.