The arrest of a Punjab National Bank (PNB) official by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified the probe into one of the biggest counterfeit-currency discoveries in Uttar Pradesh, with investigators now examining whether fake notes worth ₹ 17.29 crore found inside a bank currency chest were part of a larger network operating through the formal banking system, informed senior NIA officials on Tuesday.
He was among three PNB officials who came under the scanner after counterfeit Indian currency was detected at the bank’s currency chest in Saharanpur’s Sofia Market area. Police had issued lookout notices against them amid apprehension that they could flee to Nepal. The NIA arrested Amit Kumar, manager of the Jagadhri currency chest on Monday and a key named accused in the case.
NIA takes over investigation
The NIA has now re-registered the case after taking over the investigation on September 3. The original FIR was registered at Sadar Bazar police station on August 29 under Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The three PNB officials identified in the investigation are senior divisional manager Ravi Kumar Kanse, Sofia Market currency chest manager Sushil Kumar and Jagadhri currency chest manager Amit Kumar. The bank suspended all three after their alleged involvement surfaced during the initial inquiry.
The NIA said the case relates to a conspiracy involving counterfeit currency at the PNB currency chest and that its investigation is continuing to uncover the “complete conspiracy” and identify and arrest other accused.
The investigation has also been looking at the possibility that counterfeit notes may have been distributed from the currency chest to bank branches and ATMs before the irregularity was detected.
