T’puram: Neyyattinkara Police arrested a man allegedly involved in a gang that cheated traders by using counterfeit currency notes at Avanakuzhi and Thannimoodu. The accused is Shan, 45, of Kariyara in Punalur. Police recovered counterfeit notes from his possession.According to the police, the gang’s modus operandi was to hand over counterfeit Rs 500 notes to purchase products worth around Rs 100 and collect the balance. Several establishments, including bakeries and mobile shops, were allegedly targeted.The accused were reportedly travelling in a Ford car bearing registration number KL 19 B 8327. While attempting to escape, one of the suspects allegedly brandished a knife at local residents. During a struggle, the wig worn by the suspect reportedly came off. Another accused escaped by jumping over the compound wall of a nearby house.Police said similar counterfeit-note fraud complaints had been reported in Ooruttukala, Nellimoodu and Kanjiramkulam in recent days. CCTV footage purportedly showing the gang handing over counterfeit notes at shops has also surfaced. The police have launched a search for the other accused.
