Ahmedabad/Surat, March 20, 2026 — In a shocking development, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has busted a sophisticated counterfeit currency operation, arresting Pradeep Jotangiya, popularly known as Pradeep Guruji, who heads the Shri Satyam Yog Foundation (also referred to as Satya Yog Foundation) in Surat. The racket involved the printing and transportation of fake ₹500 notes with a face value exceeding ₹2 crore, and authorities seized a total of around ₹2.38 crore to ₹2.9 crore in counterfeit currency across locations.
Yoga Guruji’s Fake Fortune: ₹2.9 Crore Counterfeit Bust in Gujarat Ashram Racket
The arrests took place on March 19, 2026, when police intercepted a white SUV in Ahmedabad’s Amraiwadi area near Torrent Power. The vehicle, bearing markings of “Shri Satyam Yog Foundation,” “Recognized by AYUSH Mantralay, Govt. of India,” and a “VVVIP” sticker, was transporting a large consignment of fake notes hidden in bags and cartons. Officers recovered approximately 42,000 to 44,000 fake ₹500 notes valued at over ₹2.10 crore from the vehicle.
Seven individuals were arrested on the spot or in subsequent actions, including Pradeep Jotangiya (the alleged mastermind), Mukesh Thummar, Ashok Mavani, Ramesh Bhalar (or Balar), Divyesh Rana, Bharat Kakadiya (a graphic designer involved in finishing the notes), and a woman from Surat’s Katargam area. All accused hail from Surat.
Following interrogations, police raided the printing setup in Surat’s Varachha area and the foundation’s ashram in Stad Pardi (or Dhoran Pardi) village, Kamrej taluka. Additional seizures included fake notes worth around ₹28 lakh to ₹80 lakh, high-quality security thread paper reportedly sourced from China, printers, laptops, paper-cutting machines, currency-counting devices, color inks, and other equipment. The operation had been active for about three to four months.
Investigators revealed that the gang used advanced digital tools, including photo-editing software and AI platforms such as ChatGPT, to refine the design, improve visual features like watermarks, and generate unique serial numbers for the counterfeit notes to make them appear more authentic. The notes were modeled after post-demonetisation series but printed on lower-quality or imported paper.
The gang had reportedly begun circulating the fakes and was in the process of their first major deal, aiming to sell fake notes at heavily discounted rates (e.g., fake ₹1500 notes for ₹500 in some accounts, though specifics varied). Police described it as an early-stage but organized syndicate attempting to push the fakes into circulation across cities.
What has drawn widespread attention is the stark irony: Pradeep Guruji, who ran a yoga and spiritual foundation and delivered lectures on ethics, honesty, and wellness, allegedly masterminded this economic offense. Some reports noted the accused claimed the proceeds were intended for “social welfare” and ashram activities, such as supporting visitors for treatment — a justification dismissed by police.
The case highlights the growing use of technology, including AI, in counterfeit operations and potential international links through imported materials. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, led by DCP Ajit Rajiaan, continues its probe to uncover any wider network or additional accomplices.
Authorities have invoked relevant sections under the Indian Penal Code and laws related to counterfeit currency. Further recoveries and arrests are possible as the investigation progresses.