Wed Dec 25 02:07:05 UTC 2024: ## Ex-Constable’s Lavish Lifestyle Sparks Multi-Agency Corruption Probe in Madhya Pradesh

**Bhopal, India** – A former Madhya Pradesh transport department constable, Saurabh Sharma, is at the center of a massive corruption investigation involving multiple central agencies. The probe, launched after the seizure of assets worth over ₹8 crore (approximately $970,000 USD), has uncovered a web of alleged illicit activities, raising concerns about systemic corruption within the state’s transport department.

On December 19th, the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta’s Special Police Establishment (SPE) seized ₹2.87 crore in cash and 234 kilograms of silver from Sharma’s properties in Bhopal. This followed the discovery of 52 kilograms of gold and ₹11 crore in cash in an abandoned SUV found in the Mendori forest. The vehicle, reportedly belonging to Sharma’s associate Chetan Gaur, was seized by IT officials.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) case against Sharma and Gaur, with Sharma believed to have fled to Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is tracing the origins of the unaccounted gold. The Lokayukta SPE has issued summons to Sharma, his family, and associates.

Sharma’s rapid rise from constable to real estate magnate is under intense scrutiny. He voluntarily retired from the transport department in 2023 after joining on compassionate grounds in 2015 following his father’s death. Investigators allege he used illicit funds to acquire significant assets, including a school and hotel, registered under the names of his family members and associates.

Documents from income tax raids suggest a vast network of corruption involving transport department officials across 52 districts, with alleged transactions totaling ₹100 crore. The investigation also points to potential complicity of senior officials.

The case has ignited a political firestorm. Former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh has called for a judicial probe under the High Court’s Chief Justice, criticizing the government’s handling of the investigation and demanding the ED and IT departments take control. Current Chief Minister Mohan Yadav responded by reiterating the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. The investigation is ongoing, and further revelations are expected.

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