Did Bihar EOU Target Six Locations Linked to a Government Officer Over Disproportionate Assets?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EOU raids target government officials involved in corruption.
- Rajesh Kumar is suspected of having disproportionate assets.
- Raids conducted in multiple locations across Bihar.
- Documents and electronic devices seized during the operation.
- Continued investigations may lead to further legal actions.
Patna, June 27 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown on corruption and black money, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar executed coordinated raids at six sites associated with a Lekhpal stationed at the State Food Corporation in Motihari last Friday.
The raids were initiated after the EOU lodged a case against Rajesh Kumar, the Lekhpal, who is suspected of having 200% more assets than his official income allows.
The FIR was filed at the EOU police station located in Patna.
Equipped with a search warrant issued by the court, the EOU conducted searches in Patna, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur.
Locations searched included Rajesh Kumar’s personal residence, his ancestral home, and properties owned by relatives, along with other potentially suspicious locations.
During this operation, the EOU reported the seizure of numerous documents, electronic devices, computer hard drives, laptops, and paperwork linked to questionable transactions.
Preliminary investigations by the EOU suggested that Rajesh Kumar allegedly attempted to legitimise black money through cash transactions, investments in real estate, and numerous fraudulent accounts.
Additionally, properties registered under the names of close relatives have also come under scrutiny.
“The search operation is still in progress, and a thorough analysis of the seized documents and properties is being conducted. We will provide accurate valuations once the search concludes,” stated a senior EOU official.
Following the assessment of the confiscated documents and digital evidence, the EOU will further investigate the origins of Rajesh Kumar’s properties.
If the allegations hold, subsequent actions may be taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and other anti-corruption legislation, the officer remarked.
This operation is part of Bihar's persistent efforts to combat corruption and black money, in line with the state's strict policy against disproportionate assets among government personnel.
As a measure against corruption, the Bihar government mandates that every government official disclose their properties, bank balances, and both movable and immovable assets annually, including the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and DGP, who must also reveal their properties.