'Farzi': Karnataka police arrest 6 people in fake currency racket inspired by the Shahid Kapoor's series - Report

A gang has been apprehended for printing counterfeit currency notes, a case reportedly inspired by Shahid Kapoor’s popular web series 'Farzi'.
On July 3, Karnataka Police detained six individuals from Belagavi district for their involvement in counterfeiting and distributing fake Indian currency. The arrested individuals are Anwar Yadawad, Saddam Yadalli, Ravi Hyagadi, Dundappa Onashenavi, Vittal Hosathotal, and Mallappa Kundali.The gang was notorious for producing counterfeit notes in denominations of Rs 100 and Rs 500.

The racket was exposed when police intercepted a car in Kadabagatti Gudda, Gokak town, and discovered 305 counterfeit Rs 100 notes and 6,792 Rs 500 notes inside. Further investigation revealed that the gang operated their counterfeiting activities from a house in Arabhavi, Mudalagi taluk, primarily during nighttime hours.

According to a police officer speaking to India Today, the gang's modus operandi was reportedly influenced by the portrayal in Shahid Kapoor's web series "Farzi."
Belagavi SP Bheemashankar Guled disclosed that the police seized counterfeit currency notes, a printer, a screen board, paint, printing paper, and six mobile phones valued at Rs 5,23,900. The seizure led to a case being registered at the Gokak police station. Guled stated, "The gang purportedly exchanged Rs 5 lakh in counterfeit currency for Rs 1 lakh in genuine currency. They operated in Bagalkot, Mahalingapura, Gokak, and Mudalagi."

This isn't the first instance of a crime inspired by 'Farzi.' In October 2023, Mumbai Police arrested Karan Shah for dealing in 1,000 fraudulent passes for a dandiya event, inspired by the series.
'Farzi', created by Raj & DK for Prime Video, is a black comedy crime thriller featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Shahid Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon, Raashii Khanna, and Bhuvan Arora in pivotal roles. The series follows a disillusioned artist's journey into counterfeiting money.