Counterfeit currency in circulation in W. Orissa

Expressbuzz, Nov 8, 2008

JHARSUGUDA: Counterfeit currency notes have made their way into western Orissa on a big scale even as police remain clueless about the transit points and peddlers. While there have been numerous instances when people have received counterfeit notes from ATMs, the bank authorities are accused of not pursuing the matter further.


From Sundargarh to Kalahandi, there have been reports of seizure of counterfeit notes by the police. The fake currencies get noticed when the denomination is bigger or the amount is more. It is learnt that fake notes from Bangladesh are finding their way into the region through Kolkata and Rajasthan. Initially these counterfeit notes were pushed through gullible rural folks and the amount was often less. But of late the peddlers have started pushing fake of notes of bigger amount into big towns in lure of quick bucks. Such has been the panic that small machines fitted with ultra violet rays are now found in many shops to detect counterfeit notes.

Businessmen said banks could have played a greater role in checking circulation of counterfeit notes. Excepting impounding the fake currency notes and stamping it as counterfeit, banks are accused of not complaining the matter to police.

Branch Manager, SBI, Brajrajnagar, B K Parida refuted the allegation that ATMs are delivering counterfeit notes. He, however, acknowledged that they have never reported the matter to police. General Secretary of Merchants Association, Brajrajnagar, Prem Sanghai said there has been a rise in circulation of counterfeit notes over past one year and demanded joint action by police and banks. DSP A Tirkey expressed his helplessness with no such case has ever been lodged by any bank.