The National Investigation Agency has arrested Harish Raunta from Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Prior to this, the central agency apprehended Ajay Kumar from Ambala, Haryana, on October 16. According to investigators, both Ajay Kumar and Harish Raunta are allegedly the key masterminds behind the large-scale illegal printing and supply of fake Indian currency notes.
Fake notes reached the bank currency chest
As per the findings of the federal agency, these counterfeit notes were routed through other accomplices into the currency chest of Punjab National Bank located in Saharanpur. Both Ajay Kumar and Harish Raunta are close associates of Adeshl Chaudhary, who is among the other arrested individuals involved in the conspiracy. This high-profile case pertains to the infusion of fake Indian currency notes into the currency chest of Punjab National Bank near Civil Lines in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, which is being investigated by the agency under case number RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW.
How the counterfeit currency racket was uncovered
The sophisticated financial fraud came to light on August 29, 2026, when the Sadar Bazar police station in Saharanpur district received specific intelligence inputs. Following this tip-off, fake Indian currency notes amounting to 17.29 crore rupees were recovered from the PNB currency chest in Saharanpur. The initial inquiry revealed the direct complicity of three bank employees, prompting the bank administration to suspend them immediately. An initial First Information Report was registered on August 29, 2026, against three accused under section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Sadar Bazar police station. Subsequently, the federal agency re-registered the case on September 3, 2026.
Multiple arrests made by investigators earlier
Before the recent developments, the agency arrested named accused Amit Kumar and key masterminds Adeshl Chaudhary, Mukesh Kumar, Rajendra, and Neetu on September 7, 15, 20, and 22, 2026. Intensive investigative efforts are currently underway to dismantle the complete supply network and apprehend remaining co-conspirators and suspects linked to the syndicate.
