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NIA arrests two key suspects in ₹17.29 crore fake currency case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two primary suspects, Ajay Kumar and Harish Rounta, in connection with a massive counterfeit currency operation. The investigation follows the discovery of ₹17.29 crore in fake Indian currency notes within a Punjab National Bank (PNB) currency chest in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
According to the NIA, the duo played central roles in a conspiracy to print and supply large quantities of counterfeit notes. Ajay Kumar was apprehended in Ambala, Haryana, on October 16, while Harish Rounta was arrested in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on October 22. The agency noted that both men are close associates of previously arrested individuals.
The case originated on August 29, when Saharanpur police identified the counterfeit notes at the PNB Civil Lines branch. The investigation initially led to the suspension of three bank employees suspected of involvement. Following the discovery of a larger conspiracy, the NIA took over the probe on September 3 to investigate the full extent of the network.
Entities
Ajay Kumar · Harish Rounta · National Investigation Agency · Punjab National Bank · Saharanpur
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Counterfeit currency worth ₹17.29 crore was recovered from a PNB currency chest in Saharanpur. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NIA arrested Ajay Kumar in Ambala, Haryana, on October 16, 2026. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Three bank employees were suspended following the discovery of their alleged involvement. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Harish Rounta was arrested in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, on October 22, 2026. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NIA re-registered the case on September 3, 2026. www.deccanchronicle.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The total number of persons arrested in this case has risen to seven. www.deccanchronicle.com