MP: Advocate Claims Sharad Jaiswal Ready to Cooperate in Disproportionate Assets Investigation
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Synopsis
Sharad Jaiswal, an associate of ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, is prepared to testify in the disproportionate assets investigation, contingent on assurances for his safety. His advocate expressed concerns over political connections behind the case and claimed the assets belong to influential figures. The inquiry continues with ongoing raids and investigations.
Key Takeaways
- Sharad Jaiswal is willing to cooperate with investigations.
- Concerns for his safety are paramount.
- Advocate alleges political connections are involved.
- Assets worth ₹18 crore were discovered during the raids.
- Investigation and raids are ongoing.
Bhopal, Jan 18 (NationPress) Sharad Jaiswal, a significant associate of former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, has expressed his readiness to appear before the agencies probing the disproportionate assets case, as stated by his lawyer Suryakant during a media briefing in Bhopal on Saturday.
Advocate Suryakant mentioned that Jaiswal intends to testify before the authorities; however, he harbors concerns for his safety. He contended that Jaiswal has been unjustly targeted while the principal figures within the RTO network remain unpunished.
When questioned about Jaiswal’s absence from the investigative sessions, his advocate responded, "He (Jaiswal) is concerned for his safety. Should the government or judiciary guarantee his protection, he is prepared to assist with the inquiry."
On inquiring about the reasons for Jaiswal's fear, the advocate elaborated, "They are individuals with political connections, and the funds retrieved from both Saurabh Sharma and Jaiswal are linked to these politically influential figures. The money or valuables seized during the searches do not belong to Sharma or Jaiswal."
Nevertheless, the advocate refrained from disclosing Jaiswal's location, as he has been avoiding apprehension since the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta police conducted a raid on his residence weeks ago.
"Even his family is unaware of Jaiswal's whereabouts. My discussions are ongoing with his family, not with him. They are anxious about his safety. If the government assures his protection, he will appear before the investigative bodies," he added.
It is worth noting that Jaiswal's residence was searched alongside Sharma's by the Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment (SPE), where assets valued at ₹18 crore were discovered.
Last month, an anticipatory bail application was filed on Jaiswal's behalf in the special court in Bhopal, but it was denied. The investigation continues, with raids being conducted at multiple sites.
Recently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the property of K. K. Arora, a Gwalior resident linked to Saurabh Sharma. The issue gained attention after the Income Tax department and Lokayukta confiscated an abandoned vehicle containing 52 kg of gold and over ₹10 crore in cash. This abandoned SUV is associated with Sharma's aide Vinay Haswani.
