Old notes of Rs 1.2 crore face value seized, 6 arrested in Hyderabad

Six persons were arrested from a Tollywood director’s office in Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad on Monday with demonetised notes having face value of Rs 1.2 crore,

Six persons were arrested from a Tollywood director’s office in Banjara Hills area of Hyderabad on Monday with demonetised notes having face value of Rs 1.2 crore, police said.

Police suspect the small-time director, K Ramakrishna alias Kittu, is part of a racket involved in exchanging scrapped banknotes with new ones for a hefty commission. (AP File)

Police suspect the small-time director, K Ramakrishna alias Kittu, is part of a racket which is allegedly involved in exchanging scrapped banknotes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 with new ones for a hefty commission.

Acting on a tip-off, a police team raided Kittu’s office on Sunday night and seized the notes. A case was registered on charges of cheating and under relevant sections of the IPC.

Kittu is absconding, police said.

“Kittu had asked these people to bring old scrapped notes assuring them that he would through mediators get the money exchanged with new currency for 50% commission,” Banjara Hills police station inspector K Srinivas said.

He said the accused were holding negotiations on exchanging the old notes when the police team nabbed them.

“We have informed the Income Tax department which has started an inquiry into the matter,” Srinivas added.