Kerala Police have uncovered a suspected counterfeit currency printing setup operating from a house in Kollam district, after a missing-person complaint triggered a wider investigation.
The case began when Dincy filed a complaint on October 16 at Pallithottam Police Station seeking help to trace her husband, Sibiyan, from Kallelivayal village. During the initial probe, police found that a man identified as Adarsh had allegedly abducted Sibiyan and robbed him of gold jewellery.
Sibiyan later returned home on his own and gave a statement to police. Officers said his account raised suspicion, prompting them to examine his bank transactions. The review allegedly revealed hawala links and illegal money transfers.
A subsequent search of Sibiyan’s house led to the seizure of a digital printer, bundles of paper cut to the size of Rs 500 notes, a currency-counting machine and other materials believed to be used for producing fake notes. Police also seized 45 sovereigns of gold jewellery.
Investigators said the unit had printed counterfeit notes worth about Rs 2.5 crore. Police are searching for Ravi of Arthingal, who is suspected to have sold the equipment to Sibiyan for Rs 30 lakh, and are continuing inquiries into possible involvement of others.
