Kozhikode: A case has been registered after 31 counterfeit Rs 500 notes were discovered in cash deposited at the Kuttiyilthazham branch of a cooperative bank in the city. The incident occurred on 20 June, when the amount was being deposited into the savings account of a neighbourhood self-help group.

The fake currency was detected during the verification process, after which the bank alerted the authorities. The counterfeit notes, totalling Rs 15,500, were seized by the police, and a formal complaint was filed by the bank's general manager. The Kasaba police registered a case on 2 July.

Following instructions from the cooperative bank, the self-help group member who made the deposit repaid the shortfall on the same day. The individual, a resident of Kommeri Mukkannitazham, has maintained a savings account with the bank for several years and has also pledged gold.

Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the fake notes. The counterfeit currency was part of a total deposit of Rs 54,400.