MARGAO, May 1 -- Team Herald

The circulation of counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes has raised alarm among the public and business community in the coastal belt of Salcete, with several shopkeepers and traders voicing concerns over a rise in fake notes being used during routine transactions.

In a recent incident, the owner of a liquor shop in Benaulim lodged a formal complaint at Colva police station on 1 May after detecting a counterfeit Rs 500 note during the day's cash tally.

According to the complainant, the note initially appeared genuine but was later flagged due to inconsistencies in texture and watermark.

"It looked just like any other Rs 500 note, but on closer inspection, we realised it lacked the security features present in ...