The official from Lalbhai’s office said that there have already been reports in the local media negating these false social media messages. (Source: PTI)

As soon as the story about the very famous diamond merchant Laljibhai Patel’s surrendering a huge amount of cash broke on the internet, the whole country started praising PM Narendra Modi and his government on the success of the demonetisation policy. But did anyone gave a second thought on its authenticity or tried to figure out the other side of the story? When the truth finally emerged, it was as surprising as teh original news itself – the difference was that this time, the report came directly from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

When Lalbhai’s office was contacted, the real picture came into play. The entire cash surrendering saga came out as fake. This was confirmed by InUth web portal which took it upon itself to call the diamond merchant’s office. The official from Lalbhai’s office said that there have already been reports in the local media negating these false social media messages.

Before making it to the headlines, amidst the ongoing cash chaos in the country, Laljibhai Patel became a social media sensation when it was reported that a Suraj-based businessman has gifted cars and flats to his employees during Diwali. He is also known for donating Rs 200 cr to 10,00 girls in order to support their education. Lalajibhai is also the man who bought PM Narendra Modi’s suit that was the centre of controversy when US President Barack Obama had come on India visit. He is the seventh richest jeweller of the country with a net worth of around $480 million.