Archive · 12 Sep 2026
NIA Probes Low-Paid Worker After ₹17.29 Crore Counterfeit Cash Found
Investigators found ₹17.29 crore in fake notes at a Punjab National Bank cash facility.
They are looking closely at a contract worker who reportedly earns about ₹11,000 each month.
Officials are checking how he may be connected to several houses and vehicles.
They are also examining his relationship with the suspended manager, Amit Kumar.
The worker was supposed to drive and load cash-related materials.
Investigators want to know whether he had more access inside the facility than his job allowed.
Police searched his home and collected documents.
So far, officials have not found direct proof that his property or vehicles came from the fake-money case.
The NIA is investigating a contract worker earning about ₹11,000 monthly after counterfeit currency worth ₹17.29 crore was found at a PNB currency chest in Saharanpur.
The worker allegedly has links to five houses, an SUV, a sedan and two motorcycles, though investigators have found no direct evidence tying the assets to counterfeit currency.
Investigators are examining his relationship with suspended currency chest manager Amit Kumar and whether he had access to cash-handling areas.
The worker was officially assigned driving and loading duties but allegedly spent significant time at the facility in a role resembling the manager’s personal assistant.
Police searched his residence in Manakmau and recovered documents and other material for examination.
- Who
- The National Investigation Agency is investigating a contract worker, suspended currency chest manager Amit Kumar and their possible links to the case.
- What
- Investigators are examining counterfeit currency worth ₹17.29 crore found at a Punjab National Bank currency chest, along with the worker’s assets, finances and access.
- When
- The residence search took place on Wednesday; the articles do not specify the date of the currency discovery.
- Where
- The counterfeit currency was found at a Punjab National Bank currency chest in Saharanpur, and the worker’s residence in Manakmau was searched.
- Why
- Investigators are trying to determine how counterfeit notes entered a facility meant for genuine cash and whether legitimate currency was replaced or diverted.
- Counterfeit currency value
- ₹17.29 crore
- Worker’s reported monthly income
- Around ₹11,000
- Reported properties
- Five houses
- Reported vehicles
- An SUV, a sedan and two motorcycles
- Bank facility
- Punjab National Bank currency chest in Saharanpur
- Manager’s status
- Currency chest manager Amit Kumar has been suspended
- Search location
- The worker’s residence in Manakmau