Archive · 1 Sep 2026
PNB Saharanpur Vault Probe Follows ₹7.4 Crore Fake Currency Find
A bank in Saharanpur found many suspected fake notes in its money vault.
The problem was first noticed on August 10, when money sent to the Reserve Bank of India was ₹4.36 lakh short.
Bank officials then checked the vault carefully.
They reportedly found fake notes worth about ₹7.4 crore.
Police filed a case naming three bank officials.
A housekeeper was also named in a separate complaint about another shortage.
Investigators are checking records, audit books, security video, and who could enter the vault.
They are still counting the notes, so the final amount and responsibility have not been confirmed.
A remittance to the Reserve Bank of India was found ₹4.36 lakh short on August 10.
An internal audit at Punjab National Bank’s Saharanpur vault reportedly uncovered counterfeit notes valued at about ₹7.4 crore.
The FIR names divisional manager Ravi Kumar and currency chest managers Sushil Sharma and Amit Kumar.
A separate complaint names housekeeper Vishal Kumar over a distinct cash shortfall; his alleged role remains under investigation.
Police formed a Special Investigation Team, while note counting, CCTV review, and record checks continue.
- Who
- Punjab National Bank officials, police, and a Special Investigation Team are involved; the FIR names Ravi Kumar, Sushil Sharma, and Amit Kumar, while a separate complaint names Vishal Kumar.
- What
- An alleged substitution of genuine currency with counterfeit notes was discovered in a PNB currency chest, with the suspected fake currency reportedly worth about ₹7.4 crore.
- When
- The initial shortage was identified on August 10; the FIR was registered on Monday, and reports dated August 31, 2026, described the investigation.
- Where
- Punjab National Bank’s currency chest at the Sofia Market branch in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- Why
- A ₹4.36 lakh shortage in a remittance to the Reserve Bank of India triggered an internal inquiry and detailed vault audit.
Police and Investigation View
Bank Verification View
Scale of the suspected loss
Police and Investigation View
Police and reports describe an internal audit finding counterfeit notes reportedly worth about ₹7.4 crore and are investigating whether genuine currency was replaced.
Bank Verification View
Punjab National Bank said counting and verification were still in progress, so the final amount and findings had not yet been established.
Possible involvement
Police and Investigation View
The FIR names three bank officials, while a separate complaint names a housekeeper; police are examining CCTV footage and whether the housekeeper acted alone or had assistance.
Bank Verification View
The bank said the inquiry must be completed and evidence reviewed before the roles of the named individuals or any wider involvement can be determined.
Status of the case
Police and Investigation View
Police formed an SIT, obtained surveillance footage, and said they were investigating access to the secured vault and the possible recovery of embezzled currency.
Bank Verification View
PNB has suspended three officials, but their exact roles and whether they directly participated in the alleged substitution remain unresolved.
- Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- Location
- Sofia Market branch, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Reported counterfeit value
- Approximately ₹7.4 crore; the final amount remains under verification
- Initial shortage
- ₹4.36 lakh in a remittance sent to the Reserve Bank of India on August 10
- FIR
- Registered at Sadar police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions related to currency counterfeiting
- Named bank officials
- Ravi Kumar, Sushil Sharma, and Amit Kumar
- Investigation
- The Special Investigation Team is examining transaction records, audit ledgers, CCTV footage, vault access, and how long the suspected counterfeit currency went undetected
