It was a spring of ‘swampy surprise’ for scores of people in Chachal area, Guwahati after currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 denomination reportedly black money were found floating near Chachal’s Silsako Beel (Swampy wetland). The notes were reportedly new.

The incident took place Monday morning after some people, who had gone for fishing to Silsako, spotted currency notes floating on the water. As soon as the news spread like wild-fire, thousands of people from all walks of life thronged to the site.

Many, who reached the spot with fishing nets, benefited the most taking away an average of Rs. 1500 while the others who plunge into the water could grab only a few notes.

Some even came to the site with generators to dry the pond. However, police personnel present at the site could do little to control the hyper-excited crowd.

“I am feeling excited. Money won’t come to you like this always,” Ramen Haloi, who could catch 12 notes, all in the denomination of Rs.1000, said. A rickshaw puller who was richer by by Rs.10,000 said “I won’t forget this day. I needed some money so badly.”

It was not known from where the money originated and to whom it belonged to. However, people suspected that the money belonged to some corrupt official who wanted to avoid being caught.

Police on the other hand said that the money, taken away by people, would be seized. “An investigation is on. It will reveal everything in due course,” Sr. SP Jiban Barua said. Asked if the notes were genuine, he said that would be verified by the Reserve Bank of India.