Counterfeit Currency Crackdown: Odisha Police Detain Suspect in Bhadrak

Police Action Against Counterfeit Currency in Bhadrak

Bhadrak: Authorities in Odisha have apprehended an individual linked to the distribution of counterfeit currency, confiscating fake Indian currency notes totaling Rs 10,000 from him, as reported by a police official.

The situation unfolded on Saturday afternoon when two young men allegedly tried to buy items with counterfeit notes at Anand Bazaar, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bhadrak rural police.

An eyewitness recounted that the suspects, hailing from Deopal village near Anand Bazaar, attempted to purchase groceries using Rs 200 notes. The shopkeeper became suspicious when one of them tried to exchange another Rs 200 note due to its unusual texture and print.

Utkalmani Panda, the shopkeeper, stated, "I felt something was off when I touched the note. I showed it to other nearby shopkeepers, and we quickly realized it was counterfeit. When confronted, one of the youths tried to escape, but locals apprehended them and notified the police."

While one suspect managed to flee, the other was captured by the locals and handed over to law enforcement.

Following the incident, the Bhadrak rural police launched a search operation, recovering counterfeit currency in denominations of Rs 100, Rs 200, and Rs 500, amounting to Rs 10,000, according to the police officer.

Initial investigations indicate that the suspects were targeting smaller shops where the likelihood of detecting counterfeit notes is reduced.

Authorities suspect that the detained individual may be part of a broader counterfeit currency operation.

Inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Bhadrak rural police station, Dayanidhi Das, confirmed, "We have filed a case, and the seized currency has been sent for forensic analysis."

A manhunt is currently underway to locate the fleeing suspect and to dismantle the network behind this counterfeit currency scheme.