NIA Arrests Two Key Conspirators in Counterfeit Currency Case
The NIA has apprehended two main conspirators involved in a counterfeit currency racket linked to a bank in Saharanpur.
New Delhi, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two principal conspirators in a case involving the illegal printing and distribution of counterfeit Indian currency. These fake notes were reportedly funneled to the currency chest of Punjab National Bank (PNB) located in Saharanpur through various accomplices. An official disclosed this information on Thursday.
Ajay Kumar was apprehended on October 16 in Ambala, Haryana, while Harish Rounta was arrested on October 22 in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The NIA indicated that both Kumar and Rounta are close associates of other arrested individuals, including the main accused, Aadesh Chaudhary. They are implicated in a conspiracy related to the possession of counterfeit Indian notes at the PNB currency chest in Civil Lines. This case falls under RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW.
On August 29, reliable information led to the recovery of counterfeit Indian notes worth ₹17.29 crore from the PNB by the Sadar Bazaar police station in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
During the investigation, the involvement of three bank employees also came to light, resulting in their suspension by the bank. Initially, this case was registered as FIR number 0431/2026 under Section 178 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Sadar Bazaar police station and was re-registered by the NIA on September 3.
Previously, on September 7, 15, 20, and 22, the NIA had arrested named accused Amit Kumar and main conspirator Aadesh Chaudhary, along with Mukesh Kumar, Rajender, and Neetu. The NIA continues its investigation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and apprehend remaining co-accused and suspects.
When Aadesh Chaudhary was arrested on September 7, the NIA reported that he was a contract driver stationed at the PNB currency chest and a key figure in this case. Authorities suspect Chaudhary played a significant role in a large racket involving the circulation of high-denomination counterfeit notes.
