Xpress News24
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is intensifying its probe into the recovery of fake currency notes worth ₹17.29 crore from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) currency chest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The investigation has now expanded to the associates, properties, documents and financial links of suspended chest manager Amit Kumar, who has been arrested in the case.
After Kumar’s arrest, a police team visited the New Nandpuri residence of his private assistant, Adesh Kumar, and examined documents and other papers found there. Officials are also understood to be gathering information about properties reportedly owned by Adesh Kumar in the New Nandpuri area.
The team spoke to local residents to establish details about the properties and find out how they had allegedly been used. The action at the private assistant’s residence is being seen as an important part of the investigation as agencies try to establish the wider circumstances surrounding the fake notes found in the currency chest.
The probe is no longer limited to determining how the counterfeit currency reached the PNB facility. Investigators are also examining Kumar’s contacts, associates, documents and properties to establish whether they have any connection with the larger network suspected to be involved in the circulation of fake currency.
Documents taken into consideration during the investigation are now being examined for possible leads. Investigators are expected to look at financial records, communications and other available evidence as they attempt to establish links between the accused and other individuals.
NIA examining possible fake currency supply chain
A major focus of the investigation is the suspected supply chain behind the counterfeit notes. The agency is looking into whether the source, network or movement of fake currency found in different cases has any common link.
Saharanpur police have previously dealt with cases involving counterfeit currency, and investigations in earlier cases had reportedly extended to Kanpur. The NIA is now examining whether those earlier cases and individuals connected to them have any relevance to the current investigation.
Investigators are also trying to establish the route through which such a large quantity of fake currency allegedly reached the currency chest. Any common links between previous cases, suspects and the current accused could become important as the probe progresses.
NIA SP meets Saharanpur police officials
The NIA’s Lucknow team SP also visited the office of the Saharanpur SSP at the police lines. During the meeting, he held discussions with SSP Abhinandan and SP City Vyom Bindal regarding the case.
Officials discussed the facts that have emerged so far, the direction of the investigation and information available from earlier fake currency cases. According to officials, the investigation is progressing in the right direction.
The agency is also believed to have narrowed down on two more suspects and their arrests are expected soon. However, their identities and details of the proposed action have not been disclosed, apparently to avoid affecting the ongoing investigation.
The possibility of a foreign link is also being examined. However, investigators have not drawn any conclusion on this aspect so far.
With the probe now covering digital records, financial transactions, properties and possible criminal networks, investigators are trying to piece together the complete chain behind the ₹17.29 crore fake currency case. Further details are expected as the NIA investigation moves ahead.
