Puri, Nov 20: A woman allegedly involved in cheating shopkeepers by using counterfeit currency was caught in Puri, after a video of her activities went viral on social media.

The accused, identified as Meera Saha, was reportedly carrying bundles of fake Rs 500, Rs 200 and Rs100 notes in her bag.

According to sources, the incident took place at Matiapada Chhak in Puri, where shopkeeper Arun Kumar Sahu runs a small outlet. The woman had purchased an ice cream worth Rs 40 and handed over a Rs 200 note in return. Suspecting the authenticity of the note, the shopkeeper examined it closely and realised it was fake. He immediately stopped the woman and alerted the locals.

Residents of the area detained the woman and later handed her over to the police. When questioned, she claimed that the counterfeit notes were meant for children to play. However, locals alleged that the woman had been repeatedly using fake notes in the area to deceive shopkeepers.

Police are verifying her claims and investigating whether more people are involved in the circulation of counterfeit currency in the region.