Gurgaon: An IT engineer, who allegedly operated a counterfeit currency printing setup, was arrested in Faridabad on Monday.Vinayak Jha, employed with a multinational company in Noida, checked into Hotel Sarovar Portico on June 26 but allegedly left the room locked for two days while taking the keys with him. Growing suspicious over the prolonged inactivity, the hotel staff alerted Surajkund police, who opened Room No. 404-B with the former’s assistance.During the search, police recovered a laptop, a printer, special paper allegedly used for printing currency, one counterfeit Rs 500 note, 10 counterfeit Rs 100 notes, and other equipment believed to be used in the production of fake currency. The room was vacant at the time of the raid. Using the identity documents submitted at the hotel, police traced the accused to his residence in Faridabad Sector 17, where he was taken into custody after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the recovered material.According to police spokesperson Yashpal Singh, preliminary investigations revealed that Jha is a graduate of VIT Bengaluru. Police sources said he earns a package of Rs 42 lakh annually, and his father is employed in a govt department, while his mother also holds a senior position in a govt office.A case has been registered under Sections 178 and 181 of the BNS. Police have sent the seized laptop, printer, and other electronic devices for forensic examination to determine whether counterfeit notes were printed earlier and to recover any digital evidence linked to the operation. An officer said, “We have taken his custody for two days and are examining the reason behind the setup and whether he was working for someone or under some direction. The case has been transferred to the NIT crime branch.”Investigators are also working to establish how long the alleged counterfeit racket was operating, whether additional people were involved, where the equipment was procured from and whether the accused received logistical support in transporting the devices. CCTV footage from the hotel is being analysed to identify anyone who may have accompanied him. Police are verifying the govt departments where the accused’s parents are employed, examining his past record and are attempting to uncover the full extent of the alleged counterfeit currency network.
