Queue at RBI Bhubaneswar for Rs 2000 notes exchange: EOW, ED teams question people at spot

Bhubaneswar: A day after a long queue was spotted in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Odisha capital for exchanging Rs 2000 currency notes, a team of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) today reached the spot and questioned the people standing in the queue.

As per information, a two-member team of the agency examined their identity-related documents and questioned them over the source of the money. They were also asked as to who gave them the currency notes for exchange.

“On getting information regarding long queue in front of the RBI, we reached here for verification. We haven’t received any complaint. Details will be revealed after a probe,” an official of the EOW said.

Later, a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrived at the scene and questioned them. The team was carrying out further investigation into the matter.

Notably, suspicion had risen over yesterday’s queue as each of them were carrying Rs 20,000 in denomination of Rs 2000 for the purpose of exchange.

On being asked by media persons, some of them said they were getting paid Rs 200-300 to stand in the queue and exchange the notes. However, they were unable to say about the identity of the person who was paying them the amount.

It is being alleged that the matter is an attempt to convert black money into white as the deadline to deposit and exchange Rs 2000 currency notes at banks ended on October 7.

“We have no information about people getting paid for exchanging the notes. However, as per norms, we are keeping necessary identity-related documents of those coming to the RBI for exchanging the notes. This apart, CCTV camera has been installed at the exchange counter,” Regional Director, RBI Bhubaneswar had said.