Owner of flying Rs 500 notes found, recovers fraction of lost money

KOCHI: The owner of the Rs 500 notes that were seen flying in the air along the Companypady national highway yesterday morning has been identified. However, Ashraf (60) only managed to recover a fraction of the lost money. Yesterday morning, Ashraf became aware of the Rs 500 notes floating in the air at Companypady through social media. Upon immediately rushing to the location and making inquiries, he discovered that Naushad, a member of the CITU had collected Rs 6,500. He returned the money to Ashraf. The nearby lottery seller, Ali, a resident of Thaikkattukara said to return Rs 4,500 today.

Ashraf and his friend Nejeeb operate a fruit shop near Thrikakkara NGO quarters. They purchase fruits daily from the Aluva market. On Thursday morning, after buying all the necessary items and loading them onto an autorickshaw, Ashraf set out on his scooter. Along the way, 80 Rs 500 notes amounting to Rs 40,000 slipped out of his pants pocket. The money was wrapped in a plastic cover. Upon reaching the shop and attempting to pay the autorickshaw fare, Ashraf realized that the money was missing.