Fake notes found at ATMs,probe begins

Suspecting circulation of counterfeit notes,the officials took the cash deposited at various branches and ATMs of the bank to its “currency chest” in Patel Nagar,Central Delhi,which has hi-tech and sensitive machines to detect fake notes. The bank detected fake notes to the tune of Rs 4.70 lakh during the test,the manager’s complaint said.

Police sources said the counterfeit notes came through regular deposits by clients at the bank branches between January 1 and 15 and more could be in circulation because the current lot of fake notes were detected in only one of its “currency chests”.

The forged notes had gone undetected at the bank branches and landed in ATMs because manual checks are not foolproof,bank officials said.

The majority of the fake notes were of the Rs 500 denomination,police sources said.

Sources said the fake notes have been confiscated and sent to the forensic laboratory in Nashik. “We have started our investigation and registered a case against unknown persons. Once we get the forensic report,we will decide what action to take. So far,no arrest has been made,” an investigating officer said.

Following the manager’s complaint an FIR was registered on July 18 in Dwarka South police station. Additional Commissioner of Police (Southwest) A K Ojha said the case is being investigated.

The case has been registered under sections 489 D (for possessing instruments for forging or counterfeiting currency),489 E (making or using documents resembling banknotes),and 489 C (possession of counterfeit notes) of the Indian Penal Code.