Amit Kumar Named Key Accused in Punjab National Bank Currency Chest Conspiracy; Probe Underway to Trace Other Suspects
New Delhi, September 9: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an absconding accused and Punjab National Bank employee in connection with a conspiracy involving the alleged recovery of counterfeit Indian currency notes worth ₹17.29 crore from the bank’s currency chest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The arrested accused has been identified as Amit Kumar, a bank employee who was also named in the original FIR. According to the NIA, Kumar is considered a key accused in the case and had been evading arrest.
The case pertains to the alleged circulation and concealment of counterfeit currency notes at the Punjab National Bank currency chest in Saharanpur.
₹17.29 Crore in Counterfeit Notes Recovered
The matter came to light on August 29, 2026, when Sadar Bazar Police Station in Saharanpur received information regarding the recovery of counterfeit Indian currency notes having a face value of approximately ₹17.29 crore from the Punjab National Bank currency chest.
During the preliminary inquiry, the suspected involvement of three bank employees emerged. The bank subsequently suspended the three employees in connection with the matter.
Case Registered in Saharanpur, Later Taken Over by NIA
Following the recovery, an FIR bearing No. 0431/2026 was registered on August 29 at Sadar Bazar Police Station, Saharanpur, under Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against three accused persons.
The case was subsequently re-registered by the NIA on September 3, 2026, as RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW, for further investigation into the wider conspiracy.
NIA Probe Focuses on Entire Counterfeit Currency Network
The central agency said its investigation is continuing to establish the complete chain of events and uncover the wider conspiracy behind the counterfeit currency case.
The NIA is also working to identify and apprehend the other accused and co-conspirators allegedly involved in the case.
The arrest of Amit Kumar marks a significant development in the investigation, while further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.(KNC)
