The E-Sylum:  Volume 9, Number 8, February 19, 2006, Article 17

BANKNOTE MAGIC TRICK SPARKS CONTROVERSY

Only in politics would a magic trick spark a controversy.
According to an  Indian newspaper, "The incident occurred
during a gathering of a large number of magicians in which
Mr Rao, the Congress party president in the state, was the
chief guest.

Springing a surprise on everybody, he declared that he also
knew magic and would demonstrate his skills.

He took out the 100-rupee note and signed it. Then he handed
the note to the state's commissioner, Ramanna Chary, asking
him to burn it.

After it was burned, Mr Rao recovered the "same signed note"
from the pocket of one of the magicians. The act was cheered
by spectators.

Telugu Desam leader MV Mysoora Reddy demanded Mr Rao be
arrested.

Mr Reddy said legal action should be taken against Mr Rao
as it was a crime punishable by five years' imprisonment.

Mr Rao said the paper that was burned was not a banknote.

Mr Chary also denied the banknote was burned. He told the
BBC it was like demanding a murder charge for the magician's
trick of cutting a person in two and then producing them alive."

To read the complete story, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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