The investigation surrounding counterfeit currency discovered inside a currency chest at the Punjab National Bank in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is intensifying. Initial estimates pointed to seven crore forty lakh rupees in fake currency, but authorities now indicate that the total suspicious amount could reach nearly seventeen crore rupees. How these notes were swapped inside the secure vault remains under active investigation, and officials suggest the final tallied sum could rise further.
Discovery during transfer to Jaipur
This massive discrepancy came to light when eleven crore fifty lakh rupees were dispatched from the local currency chest to the Reserve Bank of India currency chest in Jaipur. During the counting process at the destination, a shortage of approximately four lakh thirty thousand rupees was detected. Prompted by this shortfall, the institution initiated an internal probe that exposed the irregularities.
Housekeeper accused and managers suspended
The subsequent inquiry flagged a part time house keeper named Vishal Kumar for allegedly extracting cash bundles from the storage. Closed-circuit television footage has been incorporated into the evidence, and a theft case has been registered against him. Concurrently, criminal cases have been filed against three bank managers, with the institution confirming their suspension. However, their exact roles and the precise mechanism by which the counterfeit bills entered the secure chest will become clear only after the investigation concludes.
High level inspections and planned special team
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the DIG, DM, and SSP personally inspected the currency chest facilities. Police authorities are currently preparing to establish a Special Investigation Team to handle the probe. Discussions regarding a potential Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry are also underway. The investigation remains active, and the final actual figure of counterfeit currency will be officially determined once the verification of all remaining cash reserves is complete.
