Lokayukta's action against corruption continues in Madhya Pradesh. In this series, on Saturday, the team of Lokayukta Special Police Establishment raided the house of Satpura Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Sanjeev Kumar Sharma in Bhopal. This action was taken on charges of accumulating assets disproportionate to income. Apart from the residence in Professor Colony, Bhopal, searches were also conducted at other places associated with the officer. The team of Lokayukta Special Police Establishment reached the residence of Sanjeev Kumar Sharma in Professor Colony, Bhopal on Saturday.
Along with searching the house, the officials also started investigation at his other locations. According to media reports, during the raid, the Lokayukta team found many valuable items including Rs 26.36 lakh in cash, gold and silver worth about Rs 3.5 crore. During the search, the team examined documents related to his property, bank accounts, financial transactions and investments. The objective of the authorities is to find out whether the assets held by them are as per their declared income or not.
What was found in the search?
According to the report, during the search by Lokayukta, Rs 26,36,800 in cash was recovered from the house of Sanjeev Kumar Sharma. Apart from this, about 2.528 kg of gold was found, the value of which is said to be around Rs 3.5 crore. During the search, 1.656 kg of silver was also found, the value of which was estimated to be around Rs 2.94 lakh.
The report also claims that four vehicles have been found during the investigation. These include a Scorpio, a Mahindra KUV, a Royal Enfield Bullet and a scooter. Their total price is said to be around Rs 31.2 lakh. Apart from this, household items worth about Rs 50 lakh were also found in the house.
What is the Lokayukta team doing now?
Lokayukta officials are collecting information about Sanjeev Kumar Sharma's total assets and sources of income. For this, bank accounts, investments, property and other financial records are being examined. After the completion of the investigation, it will become clear how much more the assets possessed by the officer are than his known income. At present investigation is going on in the matter.
What work does Lokayukta Police do?
Madhya Pradesh's Lokayukta Special Police Establishment investigates corruption-related cases against government employees and officials. This also includes cases of accumulation of assets disproportionate to income. When a government employee or officer is accused of having assets disproportionate to his known income, the Lokayukta can investigate his assets, earnings and investments. If the allegations are confirmed in the investigation, further action is taken as per law.