Gang Duping Women With Fake Currency Bundles Active In Bhopal

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A gang targeting women by luring them with fake currency bundles has become active in the city. The suspects approach women on the pretext of asking for directions, gain their confidence and then persuade them to hand over their jewellery.

They then flee with the ornaments, leaving behind bundles stuffed with pieces of paper.

Nearly a dozen such incidents have reportedly come to light in last few months. Police have examined CCTV footage from several locations and obtained clues about the suspects.

Police suspect that the gang comes from another state, commits offences and leaves city soon.

In one recent incident, a 35-year-old woman from Bajaria was returning home on August 13 when a man approached her and asked for directions to Mandideep.

Another man soon joined him. During the conversation, one of them claimed he needed change for food and transport and showed her a bundle of notes. He offered it in exchange for her gold bead necklace.

The woman handed over the necklace. The suspects later gave her the bundle, claiming that the necklace had been placed inside it. She found only paper pieces when she reached home and opened it.

In another case, a 55-year-old woman from Jahangirabad was returning from New Market when two men approached her near Lily Talkies.

They handed over a bundle containing Rs 1 lakh and warned her about the risk of theft.

They persuaded her to remove her jewellery and keep it inside the bundle. The woman later found paper inside the bundle and discovered that her jewellery was missing.

A similar incident occurred with a 60-year-old woman from Subhash Colony, Ashoka Garden.

Two men showed her currency bundles and convinced her to hand over her gold mangalsutra, earrings and silver anklets. They sent her to Nadra Bus Stand in an autorickshaw and asked her to wait.

When they failed to arrive, she opened the bundles and found paper instead of currency. Police officials said that CCTV footage were being examined and the gang members would soon be arrested.