Puri: Incidents of counterfeit currency circulation have once again sparked concern in the holy city of Puri, with small vendors and traders becoming prime targets of fraudsters.
In the latest case, a milk vendor was duped with a fake Rs 500 note at Gadanti Chhak near the West Gate of Srimandir. The victim, Maheswar Behera, who sells OMFED and Pragati milk packets in the area, received the note from an unidentified customer who purchased milk and quickly vanished into the crowd. Suspicion arose when Behera examined the note carefully. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the note carried the inscription “Manoranjan Bank,” clearly marking it as a counterfeit designed to deceive people.
The incident has heightened fears among local residents and small traders, who say such fraudulent activities are on the rise, especially in crowded market areas around the temple.
Authorities and citizens have urged traders and the public to remain extremely vigilant while accepting cash. They are advised to carefully check the security features of notes before finalising any transaction to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
