In a sensational breakthrough, Khandwa Police have uncovered the real mastermind behind the massive fake currency racket linked to the Paithia madrasa case — not a hardened criminal, but an MBBS doctor who once served as a government medical officer. Using a rented flat in Bhopal as his secret base, he built an inter-state counterfeit currency empire that stretched across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Doctor-Led Fake Currency Network Busted
Police have arrested three key accused from Bhopal — Dr. Pratik Navalakhe, his associates Gopal alias Rahul, and Dinesh Gore.
This is the same gang responsible for the recovery of ₹19.78 lakh in fake notes from the Paithia madrasa on November 2.
The accused were produced in Khandwa court on Sunday evening, where police secured three days’ remand for further interrogation.
Fake Notes Printed Behind a Travel Agency Front
Additional SP Mahendra Tarnekar revealed during a press briefing that the gang operated from a rented flat in Gokuldham Society, Bhopal, where they had put up a fake travel agency signboard.
Inside the room, police found:
- High-quality printers
- Special electronic devices
- Counterfeit note-making material
A large cache of fake currency, laptops, mobile phones, 32 ATM cards, and 15 chequebooks was seized.
Police say the gang circulated counterfeit notes across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra through a well-organized network.
Network Crumbled After Imam’s Arrest
The gang’s operations began to collapse when their most trusted associate — madrasa imam Zubair Ansari — was arrested in Malegaon, Maharashtra. His arrest led the Khandwa police to raid the Paithia madrasa, where nearly ₹20 lakh in fake notes were recovered.
Further investigation revealed that the supplier of those notes was none other than Dr. Navalakhe. After receiving intel that he was hiding in Bhopal, police raided the location on November 23 and arrested the entire trio.
Huge Seizure Points to Large-Scale Financial Fraud
From the accused, police recovered:
From Dr. Navalakhe:
- 13 fake ₹500 notes
- 7 mobile phones
- 1 laptop
- 15 chequebooks
- 12 ATM/debit cards
From Gopal alias Rahul:
- 6 fake ₹500 notes
- Dryer machine
- 2 mobile phones
- 20 ATM/debit cards
From Dinesh Gore:
Police suspect that these materials may be linked to major financial fraud beyond fake currency printing. Investigation continues into their banking records, digital trail, and financial transactions.
From Doctor to Criminal: The Fall of Dr. Pratik Navalakhe
The investigation uncovered a dramatic backstory:
- Dr. Navalakhe served as RMO at Burhanpur District Hospital (2019–20)
- Completed MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Indore
- Was involved in several procurement and billing scams during government service
- Was jailed after an FIR was filed
- Met imam Zubair Ansari in Khandwa Jail
- After release, the two teamed up to start a counterfeit currency operation
- Expanded network across MP and Maharashtra with the help of Gopal and Dinesh
One Lakh for Five Lakh: The Gang’s Business Model
According to police, the gang offered a highly tempting deal:
Give ₹1 lakh in real currency and get ₹5 lakh in fake notes.
This lure attracted several people, and investigators believe the racket may have many undiscovered buyers and partners.
More Arrests Likely as Probe Deepens
Police are now examining:
- ATM and bank account activity
- Chequebook usage
- Mobile communications
- Financial networks in both states
The Special Police Team of Khandwa says further arrests are expected, and several more links in the interstate racket may come to light soon.
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