Did Bihar Vigilance Department Raid a Senior Government Officer in a Disproportionate Assets Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Raids conducted by Bihar Vigilance Department target a senior government officer.
- Investigation focuses on disproportionate assets linked to Gajadhar Mandal.
- Substantial illegal assets worth Rs 2.82 crore uncovered.
- Case registered under Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Vigilance efforts reflect a strong governmental stance against corruption.
Patna, Dec 16 (NationPress) In a significant move as part of the ongoing anti-corruption efforts in Bihar, the Special Vigilance Department executed a series of coordinated raids on Tuesday, targeting multiple sites associated with a senior official from the Building Construction Department.
The operation is focused on Gajadhar Mandal, who holds the position of Director (Quality Control - North) at the department’s headquarters, in relation to allegations of disproportionate assets.
Beginning early Tuesday morning around 7 a.m., the vigilance teams initiated searches at both his residential and official locations in Patna and Bhagalpur, causing a significant stir in administrative circles.
Currently, the investigation is ongoing at Mandal's properties across these two districts.
According to sources, Mandal is under investigation for allegedly abusing his official role to unlawfully acquire wealth.
Initial inquiries have indicated a notable discrepancy between his declared sources of income and the assets he has accumulated throughout his service, which prompted action from the Vigilance Department.
During the raids, illegal assets estimated at nearly Rs 2,82,61,000 were reportedly uncovered.
The teams are meticulously reviewing bank records, property documents, investment papers, electronic devices, and other financial materials.
Additionally, lockers and bank accounts associated with the officer are also being scrutinized.
Numerous essential documents have been retrieved, and their assessment is currently underway.
The Vigilance Department has filed a case against Gajadhar Mandal under Sections 13(1)(b), 13(2), and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (amended in 2018), along with Section 61(2)(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The raids are being conducted under search warrants authorized by the Patna Special Judge (Vigilance).
Officials have stated that a thorough review of documents and assets is in progress, and further actions will be determined based on the findings.
The Special Vigilance Unit of the Bihar Police acts as the principal agency monitoring government officials and their financial transactions.
Since Samrat Choudhary assumed the role of Bihar’s Home Minister, he has been actively addressing issues of crime and corruption throughout the state.