Thane: The investigation into a 55-year-old builder-cum-reel star Surendra Pandurang Patil has intensified after Thane City Police Crime Branch uncovered counterfeit currency along with a substantial cache of illegal arms, indicating possible links to a larger organised network.Police raided the accused’s premises and unearthed a concealed compartment behind a shoe rack on a building terrace. The hidden cavity led to a secret room where Patil allegedly stored weapons and fake currency notes. The total seizure — comprising arms, ammunition, counterfeit currency and electronic items — is valued at Rs 12.2 lakh. The fake currency alone had a face value of Rs 3.5 lakh. Police said three country-made pistols and other weapons were recovered during subsequent searches, along with a revolver, seven single-shot country-made firearms, two air guns and an empty magazine. Authorities also seized 405 live cartridges and 167 air gun pellets. Sharp weapons such as swords, machetes, knives and iron rods, along with mobile phones, were also recovered, said DCP (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav.Officials described Patil as a habitual offender with at least 12 cases registered across multiple police stations. His criminal record includes offences under the Arms Act, provisions of MCOCA, attempted murder and criminal intimidation. Police added he was previously linked to counterfeit currency operations.A case has been registered and Patil remains in police custody.
