Fake currency used in land deal

Bhopal, July 15(UNI) A case of using counterfeit currency in purchasing 9.5 acre land near the state capital has come to light and the two main accused are absconding, police said today.

Police said a widow Saraiyya Qureshi of Bhopal sold 9.5 acre land at Barkhedi Godi village through her acquaintance Dr S L Patidar on a power of attorney to P S Rana, a city resident, and Dr Patidar had handed over Rs 7.5 lakh in cash on July 12.

After keeping Rs 500 for her casual expenditure, Ms Qureshi, who approached the Punjab National Bank's Shahpura branch here yesterday to deposit Rs 49,500 in Rs 500 denomination, was shocked to learn that the currency handed over to her by Dr Patidar was counterfeit. The local Reserve Bank of India office also confirmed that the currency was fake.

Dr Patidar, who was summoned to Ms Qureshi's residence, claimed the currency was given to him by one Om Patidar and took with him Rs 6 lakh for changing it. Later, Ms Qureshi handed over the remaining Rs one lakh to the advocate with a request to cancel the land deal.

On the complaint of Ms Qureshi and the bank officials, police registered a case. However, both Dr Patidar and Om Patidar were absconding.

A police spokesman said police was yet to question Mr Rana as to whether he purchased the land in cash or through other bank instruments.

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