`100 fake notes plunge into circulation

Atmakuru (Kurnool): Following brouhaha over cancellation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination currency, some anti-social elements brought into circulation fake Rs 100 currency notes here on Wednesday. The traders refused to accept Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from people resulting in their rush to get Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes.

The fake currency racketeers plunged into action and gave people fake Rs 100 notes at the bus station and disappeared from there. The bus passengers were taken aback after the conductor refused to accept the fake currency from them.

At some places, the racketeers had even handed over Rs 50 notes to the gullible people after taking higher denomination currency from them. Meanwhile, a marriage alliance came to an end after the bridegroom refused to accept the higher denomination currency as dowry. Rumours were afloat about a huge plastic bag filled with Rs 1,000 notes, was dumped near the Ayyappa Swamy temple and at the hospital area. The people, who rushed around to verify the rumours, were deeply disappointed. Beggars are having a field day in the transaction of exchange of notes. They offered Rs 400 for every Rs 500 note.

Rural population was hard hit by the closure of ATMs in various villages.

M Sathya Peter