Shopian Police Bust Fake Currency Racket; BDO Among Three Arrested with ₹79,000 in Counterfeit Notes

SHOPIAN, March 13, 2026: In a significant breakthrough against financial crime, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Shopian have successfully dismantled a fake currency circulation network, leading to the recovery of counterfeit notes totaling ₹79,000.

The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including a high-ranking local official serving as a Block Development Officer (BDO).The crackdown was initiated following a formal complaint from a local shopkeeper who reported that an individual had used fraudulent currency to purchase goods.

Responding with speed, the Shopian Police Station registered FIR No. 33/2026 and launched a focused investigation. During the subsequent raids, officers seized the counterfeit haul and took three suspects into custody: Mohd Syed Wani of Batpora, Mohd Maqbool Naikoo of Bungam, and Peerzada Altaf, the BDO of Zainapora residing in Tukroo Babnad.

Authorities are currently conducting an extensive investigation to trace the origin of the sophisticated counterfeit notes and to determine if there are broader links to a larger regional syndicate.

While the three accused remain in formal custody, Shopian Police have issued an advisory urging the public to exercise extreme vigilance during cash transactions and to report any suspicious currency immediately to the nearest authorities to prevent further economic sabotage.