Couple Arrested in Chhattisgarh for Printing Fake Currency Using YouTube Tutorials; Fake Notes Worth Over ₹1.7 Lakh Seized

In a startling case of counterfeit currency production, the police in Durg district of Chhattisgarh have arrested a husband and wife for printing and circulating fake currency notes after learning the technique from YouTube videos. Driven by mounting debts and financial distress, the couple allegedly produced fake notes worth more than ₹1.70 lakh using a color photocopy machine.

The accused have been identified as Arun Kumar Turang (50) and his wife Rakhi Turang (40), residents of Raipur. According to police officials, the couple printed counterfeit notes of ₹500, ₹200, and ₹100 denominations and circulated them mainly in weekly markets across the Durg–Bhilai region.

To avoid suspicion, the accused admitted to rubbing soil on the fake notes to make them appear old and used, resembling genuine currency in circulation. However, poor print quality and a different texture raised suspicion among alert traders.

The racket came to light in the Ranitarai police station area, where local shopkeepers complained about fake notes being circulated in the weekly market. Acting on the information, the police laid a trap and caught the couple red-handed in the market.

Police recovered ₹5,200 in fake currency from the spot. A subsequent search of their residence in Raipur led to the seizure of a color photocopy printer, printing paper, and an additional ₹1,65,300 in counterfeit notes, taking the total seizure to ₹1,70,500.

One of the complainants, vegetable vendor Tuleshwar Sonkar, told police that the couple had purchased peas and chilies worth ₹60, paying with a counterfeit ₹500 note. He returned the change and kept the note in his cash box. Later, after hearing alerts from fellow traders, he checked the note and found it to be fake. The suspicious serial number further confirmed the forgery.

Investigations revealed that the couple deliberately targeted small vendors, street hawkers, and weekly market traders, believing they would be less likely to detect fake currency quickly. Several traders from Ranitarai and Patan weekly markets later reported receiving counterfeit notes from the same couple.

Police officials said the accused confessed to learning counterfeit techniques online and ordering the printing machine for the operation. A detailed investigation is underway to determine how long the racket had been operating and whether others were involved.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through local markets, while police have urged traders and citizens to remain vigilant against counterfeit currency.