Bhubaneswar, April 23: Incidents of counterfeit currency circulation have once again triggered concern in the temple city of Puri, with small vendors and traders increasingly falling prey to fraudsters operating in crowded areas.

In the latest case, a milk vendor was cheated with a fake Rs 500 note at Gadanti Chhak near the West Gate of Jagannath Temple. The victim, Maheswar Behera, who sells OMFED and Pragati milk packets in the locality, reportedly received the counterfeit note from an unidentified customer who purchased milk and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Suspicion arose when Behera examined the currency note closely. It was later found to bear the inscription “Manoranjan Bank,” clearly indicating that it was fake and intended to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

The incident has heightened anxiety among local traders, who claim that such cases are becoming more frequent, particularly in busy market zones around the temple.

Residents and authorities have urged shopkeepers and the general public to remain vigilant while accepting cash. They have been advised to carefully verify security features of currency notes before completing transactions to avoid similar frauds.

Powered by Froala Editor