Debagada Police Bust Fake Currency Racket, Two Arrested

Barkote police in Debagada district have arrested two men for circulating counterfeit ₹500 notes and committing theft at a local shop.

The accused, identified as Anil Kumar Sahoo (35) and Rabi Das (19) of Mardang village, were caught after villagers grew suspicious of their activities.

Police recovered six fake ₹500 notes, ₹8,500 in cash, a motorcycle, and a mobile phone from the duo.

The seized notes were toy currency labelled “Children’s Bank of India” instead of “Reserve Bank of India”, but closely resembled genuine bills, enabling the accused to deceive shopkeepers.

The racket came to light when Rabi used a fake note at a shop owned by Debananda Sahoo.

Later that night, he and Anil broke into the same shop and stole ₹10,500.

Villagers confronted Rabi, who confessed, leading to both suspects being detained and handed over to the police.

Police confirmed that the duo deliberately used toy notes to defraud shopkeepers.

They were produced in court under sections 3(5), 305(a), and 318(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).