Bolangir police conducted a raid in Patnagargh on Thursday, uncovering a significant stash of counterfeit currency notes amounting to lakhs of rupees. The operation resulted in the apprehension of two suspects linked to the illicit activities. Identified as Baruna Panuan from Bhaisa village and Rohit Bastia from Budhabahal village, the arrested individuals were found to be deeply entrenched in the counterfeit currency trade, according to law enforcement sources.
Reports indicate that the seized counterfeit currency consisted of 274 fake notes of Rs 500 denomination, totaling Rs 1,37,000 in value. The arrests followed an incident where the suspects attempted to pass off fake currency notes to a singer participating in a local ‘Sankirtana’ program. Fortunately, the singer detected the counterfeit notes and promptly alerted the event organizers, who in turn informed the authorities at the Patnagarh police station.
Upon receiving the tip-off, Bolangir police swiftly launched a raid on the suspects’ residences, resulting in the seizure of the counterfeit currency and various equipment used in its production, including a computer and printer. Patnagarh SDPO Sadanand Pujari commented on the ongoing investigation, stating, “More investigation into the organized racket is currently underway. More information regarding the racket could be divulged after the investigation and questioning of the arrested accused.