Saharanpur: The National Investigation Agency has made a major breakthrough in the case involving the alleged disappearance of genuine cash from a Punjab National Bank currency chest and its replacement with counterfeit notes worth ₹17.29 crore.
The agency has arrested Amit Kumar, a bank official identified as a key accused in the case. Investigators are now widening the probe to determine how such a large quantity of counterfeit currency entered the currency chest and where the genuine cash allegedly removed from the facility was taken.
The case is linked to the Punjab National Bank currency chest located at Sophia Market in Saharanpur. During the investigation, counterfeit currency with a face value of ₹17.29 crore was reportedly recovered from the facility. The discovery of such a large quantity of fake notes inside a currency chest raised serious questions about the bank’s internal security and cash-handling procedures. The preliminary investigation indicated that genuine currency kept inside the chest may have been removed and replaced with counterfeit notes.
After the matter came to light, a named complaint was filed against three bank managers. They included Ravi Kumar Kansa, senior manager at the divisional office; Sushil Sharma, manager of the currency chest; and Amit Kumar, manager of the currency chest at Kheda Bazar Jagadhri under the Karnal division. All three were suspended following the development.
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The NIA’s Lucknow branch registered a case at its police station on September 3 and subsequently took over the investigation. Following the registration of the case, NIA teams, a special investigation team and local police personnel conducted searches at several locations in an effort to trace the accused. Amit Kumar was subsequently arrested from the currency chest at Kheda Bazar Jagadhri in the Karnal division.
Investigators are now focusing on how the counterfeit notes were brought into the currency chest. Another key question is where the ₹17.29 crore in genuine cash allegedly removed from the facility was taken and through whom it was disposed of. Investigators suspect that handling such a large amount of money may have required the involvement of more than one person, raising the possibility of a wider network.
The role of four other bank employees is also being examined. The employees are reportedly believed to have been in contact with the accused. Investigators are examining their communications, financial transactions, duty records and access to the currency chest. The probe will also determine whether any employee deliberately bypassed security procedures or allegedly assisted in replacing genuine currency with counterfeit notes.
Ravi Kumar Kansa and Sushil Sharma are currently reported to be absconding. Investigating teams are conducting searches at possible locations to trace and arrest them. During questioning of Amit Kumar, investigators are expected to seek information about other people allegedly involved in the suspected conspiracy and the whereabouts of the genuine cash.
The investigation is no longer limited to the recovery of counterfeit currency. Agencies are examining the alleged network, possible collusion within the bank and the movement of funds. Financial transactions, internal records and other documentary evidence are being scrutinised to establish the sequence of events and identify the individuals who may have played a role.
Further action against other bank employees or outsiders could follow if their involvement emerges during the investigation. The complete picture of the alleged conspiracy is expected to become clearer as investigators analyse documents, financial records and statements obtained during the ongoing probe. The allegations against the accused will be subject to the judicial process.
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