Money, money: Rs 1000 notes float around Gateway of India, locals jump to cash in
Thursday, 13 August 2015|
Hardik Bhawsar
The iconic Gateway of India in Colaba, Mumbai is a popular tourist destination known for its sea-side view and throngs of visitors. But earlier this week, people at the Gateway witnessed more than just the waves as currency notes of Rs 1000 were found floating in the sea. Soon, there was a rush as locals scampered to collect the unexpected windfall even during the high tide, according to a Mumbai Mirror report.
The origins of the mysterious cash are unknown as many conspiracy theories floated around, pun intended. According to a Mid-Day article, some onlookers suggested that a bundle of notes were hurled into the water by an unidentified wealthy person because he was cornered by thieves. Another theory is that money came from a ceremonial garland made of currency notes. A third theory even claimed the hand of criminal elements saying that the money was a dry run to distract security ahead of an attack. And the last but most absurd theory is that a foreigner threw them in the water and dared passersby to help themselves.
The police have confirmed none of the theories saying that the source of the cash is unknown. Reports also say police detained people who jumped in during high tide.
Vinay Gadgil, a senior inspector from the Colaba police station told Deccan Chronicle, that the people who jumped in the sea were given a warning and let off because jumping in the sea during high tide is not allowed. "He could have drowned," Gadgil said.
Assistant Police Inspector Vijay Mali from Colaba police station was quoted by Mid-Day saying, “We found out about the incident only around 6 pm. Many rumours are going around about the source of the money. We don’t know where it came from, but it is dangerous for people to go into the sea, especially since it is high tide in the evening.”
However, the locals seemed to have made the most of the unexpected situation. Several people climbed down to retrieve as many notes as they could before the police arrived at the scene. Mumbai Mirror quotes a Colaba resident named Harichandra Somar as saying, "I heard that currency notes were floating in the water near Gateway and when I rushed to the spot I saw several notes close to the sea wall. Since it was low tide, I immediately climbed down and picked up two Rs 1,000 notes. I rushed home and handed them to my family. I then made two more rounds and collected three more Rs 1,000 notes. After collecting Rs 5,000 I didn't return as the water level began rising due to high tide."
The origins of the mysterious cash are unknown as many conspiracy theories floated around, pun intended. According to a Mid-Day article, some onlookers suggested that a bundle of notes were hurled into the water by an unidentified wealthy person because he was cornered by thieves. Another theory is that money came from a ceremonial garland made of currency notes. A third theory even claimed the hand of criminal elements saying that the money was a dry run to distract security ahead of an attack. And the last but most absurd theory is that a foreigner threw them in the water and dared passersby to help themselves.
The police have confirmed none of the theories saying that the source of the cash is unknown. Reports also say police detained people who jumped in during high tide.
Vinay Gadgil, a senior inspector from the Colaba police station told Deccan Chronicle, that the people who jumped in the sea were given a warning and let off because jumping in the sea during high tide is not allowed. "He could have drowned," Gadgil said.
Assistant Police Inspector Vijay Mali from Colaba police station was quoted by Mid-Day saying, “We found out about the incident only around 6 pm. Many rumours are going around about the source of the money. We don’t know where it came from, but it is dangerous for people to go into the sea, especially since it is high tide in the evening.”
However, the locals seemed to have made the most of the unexpected situation. Several people climbed down to retrieve as many notes as they could before the police arrived at the scene. Mumbai Mirror quotes a Colaba resident named Harichandra Somar as saying, "I heard that currency notes were floating in the water near Gateway and when I rushed to the spot I saw several notes close to the sea wall. Since it was low tide, I immediately climbed down and picked up two Rs 1,000 notes. I rushed home and handed them to my family. I then made two more rounds and collected three more Rs 1,000 notes. After collecting Rs 5,000 I didn't return as the water level began rising due to high tide."
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