PANJIM: If you thought citizens in other parts of the country are being taken for a ride with fake currency notes then beware, as Herald on Friday accessed similar notes in Panjim. The notes that have entered Goa are very similar to the original, the only difference being the words ‘FULL OF FUN’ instead of the serial number and ‘Manoranjan Bank of India’ instead of Reserve Bank of India.
Herald saw some beggars and homeless migrants at the Campal Parade ground publicly displaying and playing with some Rs 2000 notes. On closer observation the bundle of notes was found to be play money. But, unlike the usual play money, these notes were copied with all details including the bust image of Mahatma Gandhi, the flower designs on both sides of the note and the lining on the right hand side for the blind.
The notes even had the currency written in different languages, making it difficult to detect it as a fake. It was the inscription ‘Full of Fun’, instead of the serial number that gave the game away and then in place of Reserve Bank of India, the notes had ‘Manoranjan Bank of India’ written.
When questioned, the migrants claimed the notes were procured from Mumbai at the price of four notes for Rs 10. Regarding its use, one of the men claimed that the notes were used for playing purposes within the group.
However, upon further probing a youngster from the group of migrants revealed they were in Goa for the Carnival. “We have come with our material, like balloons, toys and other play items to sell during Carnival,” he stated.
Fears have been raised that the notes could be circulated in the market during the festival. Even a couple of these fake Rs 2000 notes mixed in a single bundle of genuine notes, would make a big difference.
