52 kg of Gold and ₹10 Crore Cash Seized from Deserted Vehicle in Bhopal
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Bhopal, Dec 20 (NationPress) The Income Tax Department has successfully seized 52 kg of gold and ₹10 crore in cash from an abandoned vehicle in Bhopal, following a thorough search lasting over an hour. This operation is part of an investigation into disproportionate assets linked to former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma, as confirmed by an official on Friday.
The searches targeted locations associated with Sharma, who transitioned into the real estate sector after his voluntary retirement from the state government’s Transport Department.
Reports indicate that the vehicle was discovered left unattended in the forested area of Mendori village, situated approximately 15-20 km from Sharma's home in Arera Colony, where the raid was initiated on Thursday.
This operation was a collaborative effort involving the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE) and the Income Tax Department, focusing on Sharma’s residence and that of his associate, Chandan Gaur.
The gold retrieved from the vehicle late Thursday night is estimated to be worth ₹42 crore.
This discovery has intensified scrutiny on both Sharma and Gaur, who are already under investigation for their disproportionate assets.
During the search, the Income Tax team also uncovered documents pertaining to investments in various properties, including a hotel and a school, with Sharma's assets reportedly distributed across multiple districts in the state.
Originally from Gwalior, Sharma entered the MP government's transport department through a compassionate appointment after his father's demise.
Initially described as a 'simple man' upon his hiring, Sharma's lifestyle underwent a dramatic transformation, leading to significant asset accumulation over his 12 years of service, raising suspicions among authorities.
Following disputes with bureaucrats and complaints about a school allegedly constructed on government land, Sharma opted for early retirement to concentrate on real estate ventures.
Both Sharma and Gaur have been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with ADG Lokayukta Jaideep Prasad confirming that investigations are still in progress.
Officials suspect that the gold and cash discovered in the abandoned vehicle may represent part of the illegal wealth accrued by Sharma and Gaur.
As the investigation unfolds, further revelations are anticipated.
