Did EOW Uncover Crores in Assets at Deputy Commissioner's Properties?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jagdish Sarvate is under scrutiny for alleged corruption.
- Raids revealed assets exceeding Rs 6 crore.
- Luxury properties and foreign liquor were among the items seized.
- The investigation is ongoing with potential legal consequences.
- Public trust in government officials is at stake.
Jabalpur, July 23 (NationPress) The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Madhya Pradesh conducted extensive raids on the residences of Jagdish Sarvate, the Deputy Commissioner in the Tribal Welfare Department, revealing assets exceeding Rs 6 crore.
Multiple teams from the EOW executed coordinated operations at Sarvate's properties located in Jabalpur, Bhopal, and Sagar districts over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday.
The raids, which spanned more than 10 hours, resulted in the discovery of at least 17 properties across the state.
Initial evaluations indicated that Sarvate had expended over Rs 20.49 lakh on luxury furnishings and interior decoration for his bungalows in Jabalpur and apartments in Bhopal and Sagar.
Among the items recovered, the EOW found over 57 bottles of foreign liquor and wine, valued at around Rs 1.8 lakh, at his residence in Adhartal, Jabalpur.
Another property in the Shankar Shah area of Jabalpur was also searched. Reports indicate Sarvate possesses a 3 BHK flat in the Bag Mugalia locality of Bhopal and another in Sagar. He is presently overseeing the Tribal Welfare Department office in Sagar district.
Officials confiscated various documents, including property papers and official records, from his government residence in Jabalpur.
The EOW reported that 17 immovable properties worth over Rs 4 crore were registered under the names of Sarvate’s family members, including his mother.
During the raids, all documents related to Sarvate's properties, bank transactions, insurance investments, and property registration records were seized.
The investigation team is assessing whether the seized assets align with his declared income sources. A forensic examination of all bank accounts, investments, and the original sources of properties is also underway.
A senior EOW official stated that the raids were initiated based on specific information regarding the alleged misappropriation of public funds and the possession of disproportionate assets. An inquiry led to the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act against Sarvate.
He is suspected of diverting a significant sum of money intended for tribal welfare initiatives.