Over 60 Lokayukta officers transferred in MP amid seizure of gold and cash from ex-RTO constable

Massive corruption case unfolds: Ex-RTO constable’s assets seized amid raids in MP

The state of Madhya Pradesh is currently witnessing one of its largest corruption cases involving disproportionate assets, with investigations centered on Saurabh Sharma, a former RTO constable turned real estate developer. Sharma, appointed to the transport department in 2015 under compassionate grounds after his father’s death, voluntarily retired in 2023. Allegations suggest Sharma used his position and connections to amass significant wealth through corrupt practices.

Over the years, Sharma expanded his financial empire, reportedly investing heavily in real estate and establishing businesses such as schools and hotels under the names of his family members and close associates. These include his mother, wife, sister-in-law, and associates like Chetan Singh Gaud and Sharad Jaiswal.

Adding to the controversy is a recently surfaced affidavit, which appears to be falsified, claiming no family members of Sharma’s father were employed in government positions. However, evidence reveals that Sharma’s elder brother, Sachin Sharma, was employed in Chhattisgarh through the Public Service Commission (PSC) at the time.

Raids uncover staggering wealth

The corruption scandal came to light following a series of high-profile raids by the Lokayukta Police, the Income Tax Department, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These agencies uncovered Sharma’s disproportionate assets, including cash, gold, silver, and real estate investments worth crores.

Key findings:

Lokayukta raids

• Rs.14 crore in cash, gold worth over Rs.40 crore, and silver worth Rs.2 crore were seized during searches at Sharma’s premises.
• A cash-counting machine, financial documents, and real estate investment papers were recovered from properties linked to him.

IT Department seizures

• A separate raid discovered 52 kilograms of gold bars valued at Rs 40 crore and Rs 11 crore in cash in an abandoned SUV in Bhopal.
• The SUV was registered under Chetan Singh Gaud, an associate of Sharma, though official confirmation of Sharma’s involvement is pending.

ED investigation

• The Enforcement Directorate has initiated a money laundering probe, carrying out raids in cities including Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur.
• Electronic data, financial documents, and assets were seized during these operations.

Revelations and allegations

Initial investigations suggest Sharma may have converted large cash holdings into precious metals to safeguard his wealth. Furthermore, documents reveal transactions amounting to crores of rupees, signaling an extensive cash inflow over the years.

The situation has also sparked a political controversy. Opposition parties have accused the ruling BJP of fostering corruption, raising questions about accountability and transparency. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, however, reiterated the state government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

Impact on Lokayukta Police

Amid the unfolding investigation, the Lokayukta Police underwent a significant reshuffle. Over 60 officers from the Special Police Establishment (SPE) were transferred in two separate lists within three days, including 28 transfers late on Sunday and 34 officers, along with four DSPs, the previous day.

Conclusion

The Saurabh Sharma case underscores the scale of corruption that can arise within government systems and the challenges of accountability. As investigations progress, the focus remains on recovering stolen wealth and holding the perpetrators accountable, signaling a stern warning against corruption in public office.

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