BELAGAVI
Three persons from Goa were among four arrested by Market Police in Belagavi for allegedly attempting to circulate counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes in Belagavi city.
Police seized 495 fake Rs 500 notes, along with mobile phones and a vehicle believed to have been used in the operation.
The accused have been identified as Mohammed Arbaz (21) from Taleband-Davorlim, Rupesh Hanumanth Vakode (26) from Canacona, Mohammad Hussain Bakki (23) from Margao and Shravankumar (25) from Begusarai, Bihar.
Authorities are now examining whether the accused may have attempted to circulate fake notes in Belagavi or neighbouring regions, including Goa.
According to police, the case came to light on March 16, when the accused allegedly purchased goods from a shop on Khadebazar Road in Belagavi and paid using Rs 500 denomination notes. After completing the transaction, the shopkeeper suspected that the notes were counterfeit and immediately alerted the Market Police Station.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, Police Inspector J M Kalimirchi informed senior officials and rushed to the spot with his team. The suspects were traced, detained and interrogated by the police shortly afterwards.
During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted that they were attempting to circulate counterfeit Rs 500 notes in the busy Khadebazar market area.
Following the arrests of the four accused, police recovered 495 fake Rs 500 notes, along with mobile phones worth Rs 40,000 and a vehicle believed to have been used by the accused.
A case has been registered at Market Police Station, Belagavi, under relevant sections of the law and further investigation is underway to determine the source of the counterfeit currency and possible interstate links.
Police officials said the swift action taken by PI Kalimirchi, PSI Hussain Saba Kerur and their team prevented the circulation of counterfeit currency in the city. Senior officers of the Belagavi City Police have also commended the team for their prompt response.
