Additional 29 Lakh Counterfeit Notes Found in Saharanpur PNB Currency Chest, Total Reaches 17.29 Crore

The investigation into the discovery of counterfeit notes at the Punjab National Bank currency chest in Saharanpur is intensifying. Reports from Amar Ujala indicate that a recent search of the facility led to the recovery of an additional 29 lakh rupees in fake currency. With this latest finding, the total amount of counterfeit notes identified in the case has climbed to 17.29 crore rupees.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, a team comprising officials from the Reserve Bank of India and forensic specialists visited the bank on Wednesday. The experts spent the entire day meticulously examining the currency chest and collecting necessary evidence. Officials from Lucknow also arrived to assist in the ongoing inquiry.

Investigative agencies are currently focused on determining how such a significant volume of fake currency managed to enter the bank's secure storage. The evidence gathered by the forensic team is being analyzed to identify those responsible for the circulation of these notes.

Bank management and local law enforcement are maintaining high levels of vigilance regarding the matter. The Reserve Bank of India is providing continuous oversight to ensure that such security breaches are prevented in the future. Furthermore, the bank's internal security protocols and operational procedures are undergoing a comprehensive review.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the security of the banking infrastructure. Senior bank officials and local authorities are cooperating fully with the investigation. Given the sensitivity of the case, no detailed official statements have been released by any party involved at this stage.

The next phase of the investigation will be determined by the findings of the forensic report. Officials have stated that as the inquiry progresses, other aspects of this operation will be revealed. In the meantime, security measures at the bank's currency chest have been significantly tightened.

The situation in Saharanpur has caused considerable alarm within the banking sector. The direct involvement of the RBI in the investigation signals a commitment to dismantling the network responsible for the counterfeit currency.