Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The growing circulation of counterfeit Rs 500 notes has caused alarm among the public and business owners along the coastal belt of Salcete, with many shopkeepers and traders expressing concerns over the increasing use of fake currency in everyday transactions.
A recent incident highlighted these worries when the owner of a liquor shop in Benaulim filed a formal complaint with the Colva police on May 1, after discovering a counterfeit Rs 500 note during the day’s cash tally. The shopkeeper initially mistook the note for a genuine one, but further inspection revealed inconsistencies in its texture and watermark.
“It appeared to be a regular Rs 500 note, but upon closer examination, we found it lacked the typical security features,” the shopkeeper explained.
The Colva police have launched an investigation into the matter, reviewing CCTV footage from the shop and nearby areas to track the origin of the counterfeit note. Early findings suggest this may not be an isolated case, with authorities exploring the possibility of a larger network distributing fake currency.
In light of this incident, officials have urged businesses, especially those handling large sums of cash, to remain vigilant and thoroughly inspect currency notes. They have also advised the public to report any suspicious notes to the nearest police station immediately.
The discovery of counterfeit notes has caused considerable unease within the local business community, particularly among small traders and vendors who rely heavily on cash transactions for their daily operations.
