Counterfeit notes notes bearing Anupam Kher's image sparked a gold scam in Gujarat. Read on to learn more!
India is no stranger to counterfeit money, but have you ever seen 500 rupee notes featuring the picture of actor, Anupam Kher? Yes, as reported by TV9 Gujarati, Ahmedabad Police has found and confiscated counterfeit cash worth Rs. 1.60 crore featuring Anupam Kher’s image in place of Mahatma Gandhi.
Fake banknotes bearing Anupam Kher’s image worth Rs. 1.60 crore were discovered and confiscated in Gujarat. During a police operation, the notes were found to be fraudulent. Four persons were taken into custody after a fake cash manufacturing facility in Surat was discovered on September 22, 2024.
It might not be overlooked how much actor, Anupam Kher resembles Mahatma Gandhi. In a clever scheme, certain counterfeit notes displayed Anupam Kher’s face instead of Gandhi's, executed by some con artists who went a step further. Social media users have been sharing pictures of the phony image with some expressing horror at what happened and others finding it humorous.
Mehul Thakkar, a bullion broker who was tricked by two individuals into selling him 2,100 grams of gold in exchange for counterfeit notes that purported to be worth one crore sixty lakh twelve thousand five hundred rupees. Anupam Kher, a Bollywood actor was featured in the photo on these notes.
On September 26, 2024, Prahladnagar resident, Thakkar informed the Navrangpura police about the incident. He claimed to have learned about a buyer who was in dire need of gold from a buddy. After accepting to sell the gold, Thakkar was instructed to send it to the Patel Kantilal Madanlal Angadia company located on CG Road.
He dispatched a staff member on September 24 to finalise the deal. Upon giving the gold to two persons, the latter offered him 26 bundles of cash that were sealed in a phony SBI tape. While the employee tallied the bills, they asserted that they needed to obtain an extra Rs. 30 lakh. The employee examined the money and discovered it was counterfeit. Prior to him warning anyone, the suspects left the site.
And that’s when this swindle becomes apparent. Commissioner of Police Rajdeep Nukum said that in addition to having Anupam Kher’s photograph on them, the bogus notes also said 'Resole Bank of India' rather than 'Reserve Bank of India.' He also said the accused drew inspiration from the web series, Farzi which starred Shahid Kapoor and centers on a small-time con man who becomes wealthy by forging counterfeit banknotes.
Anupam Kher opened up about the incident. He took to his Instagram handle and shared a video about the scam. The actor is all set to star in Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film Emergency in the meantime. A legal battle has been going on between the picture and the censor board, since the latter has refused to certify it for distribution on September 6, 2024. During the most recent Bombay Court session, the CBFC had stated that they would only provide a certificate of the fim if certain cuts were made. The film’s creators requested some time to consider it. The following hearing is scheduled for September 30, 2024. Click here to watch the video.
Let us know your thoughts on the Anupam Kher counterfeit controversy!
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