Bhopal Court Receives ED's Complaint Against Ex-Transport Constable and Others
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Synopsis
The ED has filed a Prosecution Complaint against former transport constable Saurabh Sharma and others for alleged money laundering, seeking to confiscate Rs 108.25 crore. The case highlights extensive corruption and misuse of power, prompting investigations into the amassed wealth during and after Sharma's tenure.
Key Takeaways
- ED files complaint under PMLA.
- Saurabh Sharma and associates arrested.
- Proceeds of Crime valued at Rs 108.25 crore.
- Assets worth Rs 92.07 crore provisionally attached.
- Investigation reveals extensive corruption.
Bhopal, April 9 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhopal Zonal Office, has filed a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against the wealthy former transport constable Saurabh Sharma and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, before the Special Court (PMLA) in Bhopal.
On the same day, the court officially acknowledged the case, as stated in an ED announcement. Within the complaint lies the ED's petition to seize Proceeds of Crime (POC) totaling a staggering Rs 108.25 crore.
The investigation, which was initiated based on an FIR (first information report) filed by the Special Police Establishment, Lokayukta Bhopal, uncovered significant corruption under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Arrested under Section 19 of the PMLA, 2002, Saurabh Sharma, along with Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal, currently remains in judicial custody at Bhopal's Central Jail.
The magnitude of the case is nothing short of extraordinary, as movable and immovable assets valued at Rs 92.07 crore were provisionally attached by the ED on March 25, 2025, all traced back to Sharma’s transactions.
The assets, held in the names of relatives and associates and even disguised under companies and societies they control, further expose the extent of Sharma’s network.
Furthermore, Rs 16.18 crore has been confiscated, highlighting the depth of the alleged offenses. December 2024 saw intense scrutiny, as properties linked to them were raided by the State Lokayukta and Income Tax Department, revealing wealth beyond imagination.
A Lokayukta raid in December of last year intensified the fallout, revealing that Saurabh’s appointment breached regulations prohibiting such appointments if any dependent is already in government service.
This issue also stirred controversy within the state Assembly during the recently concluded Budget session, resulting in a more complicated narrative.
Opposition members accused Sharma and his mother, Uma Sharma, of fabricating affidavits to secure Saurabh’s compassionate appointment following his father's death.
After an extensive examination of the facts and documents, state police registered a case against the mother-son duo at Sirol police station, Gwalior, under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, focusing on fraud and deception.
A formal complaint was lodged by senior officer Kiran Kumar Sharma from the state transport department in Gwalior, reinforcing the allegations.
Saurabh’s career was relatively brief, commencing on October 29, 2016, and concluding with voluntary retirement on June 9, 2023.
Currently, investigations are probing the wealth amassed both during and after his tenure, shining a harsh light on the shadowy realms of corruption that tainted his service.
