Fake Cash in Bank Vault: NIA Arrests Two Key Masterminds
NIA arrests two key conspirators for planting Rs 17.29 crore in counterfeit Indian currency notes in a PNB currency chest in Saharanpur.
In a shocking breach of banking security, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended two primary conspirators involved in a massive operation to circulate counterfeit Indian currency notes. The plot reached an unprecedented scale when fake notes managed to enter the highly secure currency chest of a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The Latest Arrests
The NIA intensified its crackdown on the syndicate with two strategic arrests. On October 16, the agency nabbed Ajay Kumar in Ambala, Haryana. This was followed by the arrest of another key player, Harish Rounta, who was picked up from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on October 22.
According to investigators, both Kumar and Rounta are close associates of Adesh Choudhary, a previously arrested accused, and other members of the conspiracy. Their roles were central to the illegal printing and supply chain that allowed the counterfeit money to infiltrate the banking system.
How the Scam Unfolded
The scale of the fraud came to light on August 29, when the Sadar Bazar police in Saharanpur received a tip-off. Upon investigation, they discovered a staggering amount of counterfeit Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 17.29 crores sitting inside the currency chest of the PNB branch located in Civil Lines, Saharanpur.
The investigation revealed a disturbing internal lapse, as three employees of the bank were found to be involved in the operation. Following the discovery, the bank immediately suspended the three staff members.
Legal Proceedings and Previous Arrests
The case began with a First Information Report (FIR) registered on August 29 at the Sadar Bazar Police Station under section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Given the gravity of the crime and the potential threat to national economic security, the NIA took over the case and re-registered it on September 3 (Case RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW).
The agency has been systematically dismantling the network, with several arrests made throughout September:
- September 7: Amit Kumar (FIR-named accused) was arrested.
- September 15, 20, and 22: Key figures including Adesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar, Rajender, and Nitu were taken into custody.
Investigation Continues
The NIA has stated that the probe is still active. The agency is working to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy, tracing the source of the printing presses and identifying all remaining co-accused and suspects who helped facilitate the movement of the fake notes into the official banking channel.