Breaking News: Counterfeit Currency Uncovered in Balangir; 37 Thousand Fake Notes Seized, 2 Arrested
Counterfeit note trading has been detected in Bhainsa village, Patnagarh block, Balangir district. Authorities have arrested two people involved in the illegal activity and seized 37 thousand counterfeit notes, as well as computer equipment, printers, paper, and ink.
According to sources, between the 21st and 24th of this month, a religious event called “24 Prahari Naam Sankirtan Yangya” was held in the village. The investigation began when a man named Barun Panua (42) handed two 500-rupee notes to a participant in the religious event. Subsequently, upon attempting to use the notes at a shop, it was discovered that they were fake.
A village meeting was held to address the issue, and Barun was identified as the source of the counterfeit cash after questioning who had given the note. Sarpanch filed a complaint with the Patnagarh police station, which resulted in an official case being registered and an investigative team being formed.
During the investigation, 274 additional counterfeit 500-rupee notes were seized from Barun, prompting further questioning. Barun said that for Rs 3,000, he bought 300 fake 500-rupee notes from Rohit Bastia of Budhabahal village, which is under the jurisdiction of the Deogan Police Station.
Acting on this information, authorities raided Rohit’s residence, where they seized an old desktop computer, a printer, ink, and used paper. Both Barun and Rohit were subsequently taken into custody and brought before the court.
