New Delhi, Dec 11, 2025: Delhi Police on Thursday arrested four men in Ashok Vihar for allegedly attempting to circulate demonetised currency worth over ₹3.59 crore, claiming it could be exchanged at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Trap and Arrest
Acting on a tip-off, police set up a trap near Shalimar Bagh Metro Station (Gate No. 4) on Wednesday and apprehended the accused: Harsh and Tek Chand Thakur from Rohini, Lakshya from Brij Puri, and Vipin Kumar from Feroz Shah Road. Two cars used in the operation were also seized.

Seized Currency and Modus Operandi
The authorities recovered demonetised notes totaling ₹3,59,08,000, all in ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations. During interrogation, the men admitted that they offered the invalid notes at a fraction of their value, falsely claiming they could be exchanged at the RBI using Aadhaar authentication.

Motivation and Network
The accused stated they were motivated by the prospect of “quick and illegal money” and acknowledged their awareness that circulating demonetised notes was illegal. They revealed that they were acting under instructions from two individuals, Ashish and Tarun, who had promised hefty commissions for helping move the invalid currency.

The four cited personal financial pressures, including household expenses, loan repayments, and upcoming marriage costs, as reasons for their involvement.

Investigation Underway
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Specified Bank Notes Act, 2017. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional members of the network and trace the source of the demonetised currency.