AHMEDABAD: “It was for people’s welfare.” That’s the line Pradip Jotangiya — better known as Pradip Guruji — is sticking to as police grill him over a full-fledged counterfeit currency racket. According to investigators, the accused earnestly claimed the operation was meant to “raise funds for social welfare activities” of the Surat-based Shri Satyam Yog Foundation.Police say Jotangiya told them the foundation was short on money to provide accommodation and support to those coming for treatment, so the group allegedly decided to “create money through illegal means”. Quite literally. About three months ago, Jotangiya and his associates allegedly pooled funds to buy printers, cutters and other equipment to churn out fake Rs 500 notes. The imitation currency was printed at the Surat home of one of the accused. Police aren’t buying the nobility pitch. “Even under such claims, producing and circulating counterfeit currency is a serious offence with implications for the entire financial system.” Sources said the gang was already scouting for buyers to push the fake notes into circulation when they were intercepted in Ahmedabad — ending their ‘social service’ mission.
