MUNDAKAYAM: The police fail to take action despite widespread use of fake currency notes in the district. A gang has become active in the district which extorts money by giving fake notes after buying commodities and lottery tickets. Last day, a youth who came on a bike to Kunjukuttan’s shop in Karaukkachal and extorted Rs 4000. He gave him notes of Rs 2000 on which it was labelled as Children bank of India.

Later, a lottery seller came to Kunjukuttan’s shop and took Rs 2000 from him after giving four Rs 500 notes. The fraud came to light when he gave the note in a ration shop. A similar incident was reported in Erumeli a week ago. An elderly woman was duped by giving notes of Rs 2000 after buying 100 lottery tickets from her. The police investigation is ongoing in the incident. Although, they have checked CCTV visuals, no evidence was received.

Mostly, elderly people become the victims of such fraud including small-shop owners and lottery sellers. The fraudsters take advantage of the fact that they cannot quickly identify fake notes. Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred in Manakkara. It is a shame for the police that no one was arrested in the case despite receiving complaints.