Fake currency notes found in Dammapet, three arrested in Aswaraopet

Counterfeit Rs 500 notes found scattered in Dammapet created panic, while police arrested three persons in Aswaraopet for circulating fake currency. Investigations are underway to trace the source and wider network behind the illegal operation.

Kothagudem: The discovery of a large number of counterfeit currency notes thrown near Korrajula tank located by the side of a main road on the outskirts of Lachapuram village in the district created a stir on Wednesday.

Locals spotted counterfeit Rs 500 notes and informed the police. On receiving the information, police rushed to the spot and, with the assistance of locals, gathered the scattered counterfeit notes and took them into custody.

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Police registered a case in connection with the incident and intensified their investigation to determine the source of the notes and the gang behind it. The worth of the currency notes was said to be around Rs 30,000.

Meanwhile, police arrested a gang that made payments with fake Rs 500 notes at Aswaraopet in the district on Tuesday. Paloncha DSP Sathish Kumar informed that on April 15, some individuals purchased a sofa worth Rs 14,500 from a furniture dealer. When he went to deposit the money in a local SBI branch, 11 Rs 500 notes turned out to be fake currency.

The police registered a case based on a complaint from the bank staff. During the investigation, three accused, Kodelni Chinni of Ghantavarigudem in Nallajarla mandal of West Godavari district of AP, Kunapamula Durga Rao of Lachapuram in Dammapet, and Naidu Muthyla Rao of Malkaram, were found to be involved in circulating fake currency notes.

The police seized 11 fake notes, three Android mobile phones, a sofa purchased with fake notes, ashes of fake notes burnt by the accused, Rs 2,000 in original cash, pieces of half-burnt notes and screenshots of PhonePe transactions.

The police said that three other accused, Sunkara Phani, Sunkara Anjaneyulu and Suresh Reddy, involved in the counterfeit note manufacturing and supply network, were absconding. Police advised traders and the public to remain vigilant during cash transactions, especially when handling Rs 500 notes.