In a significant police operation in Satlasana, Mehsana, one man was arrested for attempting to exchange old currency notes. The notes were reported to be worth ₹16,35,500. The arrest occurred on Ambaji Road, where three individuals were trying to exchange the old ₹500 and ₹1000 notes, which were demonetised in 2016. The operation was led by PSI M.D. Dabhia and his team from Mehsana’s Local Crime Branch (LCB). During night patrol, they received a tip-off about a suspicious person standing with a black bag in front of Swagat Parlor along the road.
Following the information, the police team, guided by In-charge PI N.R. Vaghela and PI M.B. Padhiyar, approached the individual. The suspect was identified as Thakor Aashish Vikramji, a resident of Gundrasan, near Gauchari. Upon searching the black bag, they found 21 bundles of old notes, totaling 2085 notes. These notes were no longer in circulation, as they had been demonetised.
The total value of the seized notes was ₹16,35,500. In addition to the old currency, the police also confiscated a mobile phone worth ₹5000 from Aashish. He was taken into custody and handed over to Satlasana police for further action.
Aashish was reportedly accompanied by two wanted individuals from Vadnagar, identified as Rajput Kuldip Singh Ramesh Singh and Rajput Hardik Singh Vijay Singh. They had come to Satlasana to exchange the old notes. At the time of the arrest, Aashish had dropped the two men off while they went to meet someone who was to help them exchange the currency. Aashish was apprehended before the other two could return.
The police have initiated a manhunt to capture Kuldip and Hardik, who are still on the run. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of old currency notes being used in illegal transactions despite the government’s efforts to curb such activities. The police urge the public to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted individuals, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining law and order.
The operation also showcases the vigilance of the Mehsana police and their commitment to tackling financial crimes. They continue to monitor and patrol areas known for such illegal activities, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. The local community is encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour to help combat the misuse of old currency notes and other financial crimes in their area.