SAHARANPUR: Genuine currency notes worth around ₹7.4 crore were allegedly replaced with counterfeit notes at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) currency vault in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, prompting police to register an FIR against bank officials and private individuals. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to investigate the suspected fraud.
The case was registered at Sadar police station following a complaint by PNB nodal officer Arun Kumar Chaubey. The FIR names senior divisional manager Ravi Kumar and currency chest managers Sushil Sharma and Amit Kumar as the main suspects.
Separately, a report was filed against housekeeper Vishal Kumar in connection with a “distinct cash shortfall” at the bank.
The alleged fraud came to light when a cash remittance sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on August 10 showed a shortage of ₹4.36 lakh, according to PNB chief deputy manager Nisha Singh. An audit subsequently ordered by the RBI uncovered a much larger discrepancy involving counterfeit currency.
“An inquiry is in progress, and once we have complete details and evidence against everyone involved, the findings will be made public. The final tally of fake currency is still being verified as counting continues,” Singh said.
Saharanpur DIG Abhishek said an SIT had been constituted and an FIR registered against those allegedly involved in the case. “Counting is in progress. Following a detailed inquiry, the embezzled currency will be recovered,” he said.
Investigators are examining bank transaction records, audit registers and CCTV footage from the currency chest to determine how the counterfeit notes were introduced into the vault and identify everyone involved in the alleged operation.
