Fake Note Conspiracy: NIA Detains Ajay Kumar, Hareesh Raunta

In a significant development in the counterfeit currency case, the National Investigation Agency has arrested two principal conspirators accused of illegally printing and supplying large volumes of fake Indian notes. The notes were routed through several accused persons to reach the currency chest of Punjab National Bank in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

According to information shared by an official on Thursday, Ajay Kumar was apprehended from Ambala in Haryana on October 16. Hareesh Raunta was arrested from Manali in Himachal Pradesh on October 22.

The NIA stated that both men were close aides of Adesh Chaudhary and other arrested accused. They are associated with a plan to keep counterfeit Indian notes in the PNB currency chest situated in Civil Lines. The case falls under RC-02/2026/NIA/LKW.

The trail began on August 29, when the Sadar Bazar police station in Saharanpur district received reliable information that fake Indian notes worth Rs 17.29 crore had been found at the PNB. Further probe revealed the involvement of three bank employees, who have since been suspended.

Initially, the Sadar Bazar police station registered FIR number 0431/2026 against three accused under Section 178 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The NIA re-registered the case on September 3.

Before these arrests, the agency had taken Amit Kumar, who was named in the FIR, along with main accused Adesh Chaudhary, Mukesh Kumar, Rajender and Neetu into custody on September 7, 15, 20 and 22. The investigation continues to unearth the full conspiracy and to apprehend the other co-accused and suspects.