In an unusual incident at an SBI ATM in Mirzapur, two of the Rs 500 notes turned out to be 'Churan' notes or dummy currency notes meant for kids to play with. The incident came to light when a customer withdrew cash and found a fake Rs 500 note among the dispensed bills.
Upon receiving the complaint, an investigation team reached Kalan, Shahjahanpur district on March 23 to inspect the ATM. The team, led by SBI Town Hall's Cash Manager and Deputy Manager Ishwar Talwar, along with Branch Manager Surendra Kumar and Town In-Charge Yashpal Singh, conducted a thorough inspection while restricting media access and public movement around the site.
The investigation revealed that the ATM contained a total of Rs 22,10,500, out of which two notes were found to be counterfeit. CMS, a private company responsible for refilling the ATM, has come under scrutiny, and other ATMs managed by the company will also be inspected. Authorities have assured strict action against those found guilty. After the inspection, the ATM was locked again.
Meanwhile, in another case, an FIR was registered in connection to stone pelting at the residence of a female doctor after a member of the State Women’s Commission criticised the police for their delay.
Dr Deepika Agarwal, a resident of Radha Kunj Colony, Nawada Indepur (Chowk Kotwali area), had lodged a complaint on March 15, alleging that unknown individuals had pelted stones at her house and demanded Rs 50 lakh in extortion. They also allegedly threatened to harm her children if the money was not paid.
Despite video evidence of the attack circulating online, the police had not registered an FIR. However, during a public hearing at the Collectorate on March 19, commission member Sujita Kumari took note of the issue.