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A recent incident in Ahmedabad, India has brought to light a audacious and unusual fraud scheme involving counterfeit currency notes. The case, which involves a bullion trader named Mehul Thakkar, has gained national attention due to the unique and bold feature of the fake currency: the image of renowned Bollywood actor Anupam Kher appearing on the notes in place of Mahatma Gandhi. The counterfeit notes also bear the name 'Resole Bank of India' instead of the legitimate 'Reserve Bank of India'.
Thakkar, a trader in gold and precious metals, was targeted by scammers posing as legitimate business partners. The incident began on September 24th when one of Thakkar's employees was contacted by individuals proposing a transaction involving 2,100 grams of gold valued at Rs 1.6 crore. The scammers offered to pay Rs 1.3 crore upfront, promising to deliver the remaining Rs 30 lakh the next day. After Thakkar handed over the gold, the perpetrators disappeared, leaving him with only counterfeit notes. The police investigation revealed the courier service involved in the transaction was also fraudulent, further emphasizing the meticulous planning behind the scheme. The perpetrators rented a shop under a fake courier company name, leading Thakkar to believe the transaction was legitimate. The police are relying on CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspects, who are currently at large.
The audacious use of Anupam Kher's image on the counterfeit currency adds an intriguing and unexpected twist to the case. The fraudsters' decision to feature a recognizable Bollywood actor's face, rather than a generic image or a fictional character, suggests a deliberate effort to create an illusion of authenticity. This unusual choice could have been motivated by a desire to appear more convincing, potentially appealing to potential victims who might recognize the actor's face and be less likely to question the validity of the currency. The case raises questions about the security features of Indian currency, particularly in light of the widespread circulation of counterfeit notes. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working diligently to uncover the extent of the scam and bring the perpetrators to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of fraud schemes and the importance of exercising caution when dealing with large financial transactions.
Source: Ahmedabad trader duped by fake Rs 500 notes from ‘Resole Bank of India’ featuring Anupam Kher