Greater Noida PNB Fraud: CBI Finds ₹10.24 Crore in Unauthorised Debits

A major banking fraud case has come to light at a Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR over the alleged diversion of ₹10.24 crore from customers' savings accounts and fixed deposits.

According to the bank's complaint, several unauthorized transactions were carried out over nearly three years. The preliminary inquiry points to the alleged misuse of login credentials belonging to different bank officials. Investigators are also examining suspicious changes in fixed deposit details and the transfer of money through multiple accounts.

The case relates to PNB's Sector Pi branch in Greater Noida. The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch in Ghaziabad has named a bank office assistant, Deepanshi, account holder Ashutosh Pathak and other unidentified individuals in the FIR.

But how was the alleged fraud carried out? How did the bank discover the suspicious transactions? Here is what the investigation has revealed so far.

How Did The PNB Fraud Case Come To Light?

The alleged fraud came to light after a customer visited the Sector Pi branch on September 16, 2026, to check her bank account.

According to the bank's complaint, the customer noticed three suspicious debit transactions in her savings account. She reportedly told bank officials that she had not authorized these transactions.

The matter was brought to the attention of the branch head. When officials started checking the transactions, they could not find the required vouchers and supporting documents in the bank's records.

This raised serious questions about how the money had been transferred and who had approved the transactions.

The bank then started an internal investigation. Its preliminary findings indicated that several customer accounts had been affected by unauthorized transactions.

What Did The CBI Find About Unauthorized Debits?

The most important finding in the case is the alleged misuse of banking login credentials.

According to PNB's complaint, office assistant Deepanshi allegedly used the user IDs and passwords of other bank officials to carry out transactions through the bank's Core Banking System (CBS).

The bank's preliminary review of system logs and user activity records reportedly showed multiple suspicious transactions.

The investigation is examining these alleged activities:

• Unauthorized debits from customers' savings accounts.
• Misuse of login credentials belonging to other branch officials.
• Changes to customer and fixed deposit account details.
• Premature closure of fixed deposits.
• Transfers of money to accounts linked to the alleged beneficiaries.
• Missing or unavailable transaction vouchers and supporting records.

The bank's complaint also alleged that the credentials of six other officials had been misused. However, the investigation will establish whether these officials knew about the transactions or whether their login details were used without their knowledge.

How Was Customers' Fixed Deposit Money Allegedly Diverted?

The preliminary inquiry also found suspected irregularities involving customers' fixed deposits (FDs).

According to the bank's complaint, certain individuals were allegedly added as joint holders to some fixed deposits. The account details linked to the deposits were then reportedly changed.

Some FDs were allegedly closed before their maturity dates, and the money received after closure was transferred to other beneficiary accounts.

The bank submitted details of 49 fixed deposits as part of its complaint. Investigators are examining the records to understand how these deposits were handled and where the money was transferred.

This part of the case is important because fixed deposits are generally kept for a specific period to earn interest. Premature closure without the customer's approval can result in a direct financial loss and create serious concerns about account security.

Who Has Been Named In The CBI FIR?

The CBI has registered a case based on a complaint submitted by PNB's Noida Circle.

The FIR names the following accused:

• Deepanshi: An office assistant posted at the PNB Sector Pi branch.
• Ashutosh Pathak: An account holder named in the bank's complaint.
• Other individuals: Several unidentified public and private persons are also mentioned in the case.

The bank's complaint alleges that Deepanshi carried out suspicious transactions in coordination with other individuals. The CBI is investigating the role of each person and examining the available banking records.

It is important to note that the allegations are part of an ongoing investigation. The guilt or involvement of the accused has not been established by a court.

Why Did Customers Not Receive Transaction Alerts?

Another serious concern in the case is the alleged handling of mobile transaction alerts.

According to the bank's preliminary findings, mobile alert services linked to some customer accounts were reportedly disabled or altered.

Normally, banks send SMS alerts when money is debited from an account. These messages help customers identify transactions they may not have authorized.

If alerts are disabled, customers may not immediately know that money has been transferred. This can delay complaints and make suspicious activity harder to detect.

Investigators are examining whether changes to customers' registered mobile details or alert services helped the alleged transactions remain unnoticed.

Is The PNB Fraud Amount ₹10.24 Crore Or ₹35 Crore?

There has been confusion about the total amount involved in the Greater Noida PNB fraud case.

Early reports quoted customers alleging that nearly ₹35 crore had gone missing from their savings accounts and fixed deposits.

However, PNB's complaint to the CBI has identified approximately ₹10.24 crore in unauthorized debits so far.

The bank has said that reconciliation of the affected accounts is still underway. This means the final amount may change after a detailed examination of all transactions and customer records.

Therefore, ₹10.24 crore is the amount identified in the bank's complaint, while the earlier ₹35 crore figure should be treated as an initial customer allegation, not a confirmed final loss.

What Action Has PNB Taken After The Fraud?

PNB has informed the authorities about the suspected transactions and is cooperating with the CBI investigation.

The bank has also assured customers that it will honor genuine claims. According to the complaint reported by PTI, PNB said it had already settled three claims worth ₹43 lakh at the branch.

The bank is continuing its reconciliation exercise to identify the affected accounts and establish the total amount involved.

The investigation will also examine transaction records, system logs, account details and the movement of funds through beneficiary accounts.

What Happens Next In The CBI Investigation?

The CBI will now examine the evidence collected from the bank and identify how the alleged transactions were carried out.

Investigators are expected to focus on digital banking records, employee login details, fixed deposit documents and the accounts that received the transferred money.

The agency will also examine whether the accused acted alone or with the help of other individuals.

The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Information Technology Act.

As the investigation continues, more details about the affected accounts, the alleged beneficiaries and the total financial loss may emerge.

For customers, the case is a reminder to check bank statements regularly, keep transaction alerts active and report any suspicious debit to the bank immediately.