MP: Bail Granted to Family Members of Ex-Transport Constable Accused of Graft
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A Bhopal court has granted bail to the family members of Saurabh Sharma, a former constable accused of corruption linked to disproportionate assets. Sharma remains in custody as investigations continue, with multiple agencies involved. His family's bail comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Sharma's past government employment.
Key Takeaways
- Bail granted to Saurabh Sharma's family
- Sharma remains in judicial custody
- ED has seized assets worth Rs 100.36 crore
- Multiple agencies investigating corruption charges
- Bail application for Sharma to be filed soon
Bhopal, April 11 (NationPress) A court in Bhopal has granted bail to the family members of Saurabh Sharma, a former Constable of the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department, in connection with a case regarding disproportionate assets. The bail was approved for his mother, wife, cousin, and brother-in-law, each required to furnish a personal bond of Rs 10 lakh.
As of now, there has been no decision on Sharma's own bail request, as he remains in judicial custody.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted prolonged questioning of Sharma and has reportedly seized assets worth Rs 100.36 crore.
According to Sharma's lawyer, Rakesh Parashar, bail was granted by the Special PMLA court in Bhopal. However, there has been no hearing on Sharma's bail plea as of yet.
The court, presided over by Special Judge Ashutosh Shukla, allowed bail based on the submission of personal bonds. There was no hearing scheduled for Sharma's bail on that day.
Sharma's family members were apprehended by the ED for alleged violations of the PMLA and were subjected to extensive questioning.
On April 9, the ED submitted a prosecution complaint against Sharma and others. Multiple agencies, including the Lokayukta, ED, Central Bureau of Investigation, Income Tax Department, and Madhya Pradesh Police, are investigating corruption allegations involving Sharma.
His lawyer indicated that a new bail application will be filed for Sharma and others.
Sharma was appointed on October 29, 2016, and voluntarily retired on June 9, 2023.
This appointment caused a stir in the state Assembly during the recent Budget session.
Moreover, the state police have initiated a case against Sharma and his mother for submitting a 'false affidavit', claiming that no family members were employed in government roles to secure a government position on compassionate grounds after his father's death. His elder brother, Sachin Sharma, already worked for the Chhattisgarh government, a detail Sharma concealed during his appointment.
