The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday, 2 June 2025, registered a disproportionate assets case against Ashwin Chaudhari, a Class-I Chief Electrical Inspector posted at Udyog Bhavan in Gandhinagar, after recovering cash, gold, silver, and other valuables collectively worth ₹2.64 crore from his government vehicle and two residences. The case centres on allegations that Chaudhari routinely issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) and safety approvals for solar power projects without conducting mandatory site inspections, allegedly in exchange for bribes.

How the Operation Unfolded

Police Inspector P.N. Khokhra of the ACB's Field-3 Intelligence Wing received inputs that Chaudhari was transporting cash collected during the day in his government-issued white Swift Dzire car after office hours. A surveillance operation was launched under the supervision of Assistant Director Ashwin Patel.

The ACB team intercepted the vehicle late on Sunday evening while Chaudhari was en route home. A search yielded ₹5,51,730 in cash along with gift vouchers. Chaudhari reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money.

Assets Recovered from Residences

Preliminary questioning led investigators to two properties. Searches at Chaudhari's government residential quarter in Gandhinagar and his privately owned residence in Surat uncovered ₹1,76,14,970 in cash and gold and silver bars, jewellery, and coins valued at an estimated ₹88,82,910.

Combined with the vehicle seizure, the total value of assets recovered stood at ₹2,64,97,880, according to the ACB. Investigators concluded that the assets appeared to have been accumulated through corrupt practices beyond Chaudhari's known legal sources of income.

What the ACB Says About the Solar Approval Racket

ACB Deputy Director Bharti Pandya said Chaudhari had held the position for approximately four years and was responsible for approving applications for solar power projects. Under prescribed protocol, officials are required to conduct site inspections and scrutinise submitted plans before granting approval.

'The normal protocol is that after applications are received from companies seeking approval for solar projects, it is mandatory to visit the site for inspection. Thereafter, the submitted plans are examined and, if found appropriate, approval is granted. However, this officer granted approvals without conducting site inspections and without carrying out detailed scrutiny of the plans,' Pandya said.

According to the ACB, Chaudhari cleared more than 100 files in a single week, with some files reportedly approved within a single day. Pandya confirmed those files are within the current scope of investigation.

Admission and Wider Investigation

Pandya said that during preliminary questioning, Chaudhari admitted the cash recovered from the vehicle had been obtained through bribes. 'During the preliminary inquiry, he admitted that the money had been obtained through bribes,' she said.

Investigators are now examining whether subordinate officers, private agents, or companies were part of the alleged operation. Pandya noted there was no fixed rate for approvals: 'It depended on whatever arrangement he reached with the company and the applicant. There was no fixed amount.'

The ACB has launched a wider financial investigation covering Chaudhari's bank accounts, lockers, property holdings, and the assets of his family members. The FIR was registered on 31 May at the Gandhinagar ACB Police Station by P.N. Khokhra under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Further investigation is being conducted by Police Inspector K.D. Suthar of the Sabarkantha ACB Police Station in Himmatnagar.

What Happens Next

The probe is expected to widen beyond Chaudhari to companies that received solar approvals and any intermediaries involved. Safety implications of uninspected solar installations — a concern regulators have flagged nationally — are also likely to draw scrutiny. The ACB's findings could prompt a broader audit of solar project clearances across Gujarat.