Major Corruption Raid on Bihar Police Officer Uncovers Vast Assets
Significant Action by Economic Offenses Unit
In a significant move against corruption, the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU) conducted a series of raids on Tuesday targeting a senior officer of the Bihar police. Gautam Kumar, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Kishanganj, was under scrutiny as investigators searched multiple locations linked to him, uncovering a substantial amount of assets beyond his known income.
Details of the Raids
Sources indicate that investigators discovered a tea estate in Siliguri, along with flats in Noida and Gurugram, and over 25 plots of land. Additionally, jewelry, vehicles, and property documents registered under his wife and a female associate were seized. These raids were initiated after authorities identified assets worth over ₹1.94 crore that significantly exceeded Kumar's declared income, leading to a case being filed in Patna and a search warrant being obtained.
What Was Found During the Searches?
The investigation revealed that Gautam Kumar allegedly amassed properties not only in his name but also through associates. Initial findings included at least 25 plots of land, many registered under his wife Poonam Devi and his associate Shagufta Shameem. Documents related to seven land parcels valued at approximately ₹60 lakh were recovered from Shagufta's residence.
Major Assets Seized
Among the notable assets seized was a four-story house in Purnia, covering 3,600 square feet, estimated to be worth around ₹2.5 crore. Luxury watches and high-end vehicles like Creta and Thar were also confiscated. Furthermore, documents related to establishing a nursing home in Patna were found during the searches.
Investments and Financial Documents
Authorities reported that Kumar had invested in a tea estate in Siliguri and purchased properties in Noida and Gurugram. Various financial documents related to insurance investments and other assets were also recovered.
Cash and Mobile Phone Seized
From Kumar's official residence in Kishanganj, teams seized ₹1.37 lakh in cash. The raid lasted nearly eight hours, during which investigators also confiscated his mobile phone, which may provide further crucial evidence.
Local Officials on Edge
Following this operation, a sense of unease and anxiety spread among government employees in Kishanganj. Throughout the day, several officials were seen passing by the SDPO's residence, attempting to gather updates on the unfolding situation.
Gautam Kumar's Long Association with Kishanganj
It is noteworthy that Gautam Kumar has been associated with Kishanganj for many years. He joined the Bihar police as a sub-inspector in the 1994 batch, with his first posting as a trainee officer in Kishanganj in 1996, where he completed his probation. After serving in various districts, he returned to Kishanganj as a mobile police officer in 2012-13, eventually rising to the ranks of inspector and then DSP. In 2023, he resumed his role as the SDPO of the district, having spent a significant portion of his career in the Seemanchal region, which includes Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, and Katihar.