Vijayawada: A 23-year-old youth from Tripura was arrested by Krishnalanka police after he allegedly attempted to circulate counterfeit Rs 500 currency notes at a lodge near the Vijayawada bus stand on Wednesday. Police seized 17 fake currency notes with a face value of Rs 8,500 from his possession and produced him before a court.According to police, the accused, Ritip Ghosh, a resident of West Tripura district, was working in AC coaches of long-distance trains, replacing blankets and bedrolls. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed that he had purchased 17 counterfeit Rs 500 notes from an unidentified person during a train journey from Agartala to Charlapalli earlier this month.The accused told police that an unknown co-passenger had offered him the fake notes, claiming they closely resembled genuine currency and could be exchanged without attracting suspicion. Lured by the prospect of making easy money, he allegedly paid Rs 2,000 and obtained the counterfeit notes.After arriving in Vijayawada, Ghosh checked into a lodge opposite the city bus stand. Police said he initially paid the room rent through PhonePe but later ran short of money. In an attempt to obtain cash, he allegedly handed over three Rs 500 notes to the lodge receptionist and requested a digital payment in return.The receptionist became suspicious after examining the notes and informed the lodge owner. When questioned, the accused allegedly attempted to flee from the premises. However, the lodge staff apprehended him and later handed him over to Krishnalanka police.During questioning, the accused produced all 17 counterfeit notes in his possession. Police examined the currency and confirmed that the notes were fake. The counterfeit currency was seized as evidence, and a case was registered for further investigation. An investigation is underway.