Ex-Constable’s Staggering Wealth Unveiled: 300 kg Gold, ₹10 Crore Cash Recovered, ED Takes Action
Madhya Pradesh (The Uttam Hindu): After the discovery of a massive stash of gold and cash during a Lokayukta raid in Madhya Pradesh, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sprung into action. The central agency has registered a case (ECIR) against former Transport Department constable Saurabh Sharma and his associate Chetan Singh Gaur. In the raid targeting Sharma, authorities have recovered approximately 300 kg of gold and silver, along with over ₹10 crore in cash. Additionally, a diary has been found, allegedly documenting embezzlement of about ₹100 crore annually.
The Lokayukta police had previously raided Sharma’s properties, seizing assets worth crores, and registering a case against him. Now, the ED is looking into the case for potential money laundering. Saurabh Sharma, the prime accused, is currently absconding, with reports suggesting that he may be in Dubai. The extensive wealth of Sharma, who took voluntary retirement (VRS) from his constable position just a year ago, has left officials from Lokayukta, Income Tax, and ED stunned.
The raids, which began on Thursday morning, are still ongoing. That same night, an abandoned Innova car was found in a deserted area of Bhopal, containing 52 kg of gold and ₹9.86 crore in cash. A diary was also discovered in the car, detailing transactions worth approximately ₹100 crore annually. The vehicle, which was registered under Chetan Singh Gaur’s name, had been used to conceal these valuables.
Both Saurabh Sharma and Chetan Singh Gaur are originally from Gwalior and are believed to have been business partners. Following his VRS, Sharma became involved in property dealings. It remains unclear whether Sharma is the sole owner of these properties or if others are also involved in the illicit wealth. There are rumors in political circles suggesting that certain senior officials in the Transport Department and some politicians may have ties to this case. Despite his relatively low rank as a constable, Sharma was reportedly well-connected with high-ranking officials in the department.