Former RTO Constable Saurabh Sharma and Two Aides Remanded in ED Custody Until February 17
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Synopsis
A Bhopal district court has ordered the enforcement custody of ex-RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and his two aides until February 17, as part of a disproportionate assets investigation led by the ED.
Key Takeaways
- Sharma and aides sent to ED custody until February 17.
- Incriminating documents related to assets recovered.
- Allegations of laundering through family and friends.
- 54 kg of gold and Rs 11 crore discovered in raids.
- Investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
Bhopal, Feb 11 (NationPress) A district court in Bhopal has ordered the custody of former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma along with his two associates until February 17 in relation to a case involving disproportionate assets.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the court about the recovery of several incriminating documents that pertain to real estate and investments through various companies associated with Sharma and his aides, Chetan Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal.
According to the ED, Sharma collaborated with Gaur and Jaiswal to establish companies, utilizing their bank accounts and those of his family members to launder criminal proceeds for property investments under the names of family and friends.
During the court session, all three defendants were present.
Prior to the court's ruling, the ED announced the arrest of Sharma, Gaur, and Jaiswal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The agency revealed that Sharma began his tenure with the MP State Transport Department as a constable in 2015, based on compassionate grounds.
“The investigation disclosed that Sharma amassed significant assets that were disproportionate to his known income sources post-appointment,” the agency stated.
Previously, the ED had interrogated the trio for approximately six hours each at the Bhopal district jail.
Sources indicated that the individuals provided evasive responses regarding the assets discovered during the raids.
Earlier in court, they claimed that the 54 kg of gold and other assets seized by investigative agencies were not theirs. It is worth mentioning that these assets were uncovered by the I-T Department during a raid on December 19, where the gold was found in Gaur's vehicle.
During questioning, Gaur mentioned that the vehicle was utilized by Sharma and his office staff. The ED's investigation revealed cash, bank deposits, and valuables amounting to Rs 42 crore, along with undervalued property documents. Additionally, the Lokayukta police confiscated diaries, laptops, pen drives, and property papers in their operations.
