Chhindwara/Pachmarhi, November 14 (Yes Punjab News)
Assets worth around Rs 7.6 crore, including two hotels and resorts, gold valued at Rs 3.5 crore, cash exceeding Rs 26 lakh and documents relating to 28 land transactions, have been unearthed during a Lokayukta raid on the premises of a Madhya Pradesh forest department officer, an official said on Saturday.
The searches were conducted at the premises of Sanjeev Sharma, a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) posted at the Satpura Tiger Reserve, in Pachmarhi and Chhindwara following a complaint alleging possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Preliminary verification had indicated that Sharma’s assets were 228 per cent higher than his known income. However, calculations based on Saturday’s search findings suggest the figure could be as high as 560 per cent, Lokayukta DSP Virendra Singh said.
Officials recovered 28 documents and agreements relating to land transactions, besides papers concerning two hospitality properties. These include Ecotel Hotel and Resort in Matkuli, reportedly acquired in 2016-17 and estimated to be worth around Rs 2 crore, and Serenity The Villa in Pachmarhi, purchased in 2014 and valued at approximately Rs 1 crore.
The searches yielded Rs 26.36 lakh in cash, 2,527.924 grams of gold valued at around Rs 3.5 crore and 1,656 grams of silver worth approximately Rs 2.94 lakh. Four vehicles valued at Rs 31.20 lakh and household articles worth around Rs 50 lakh have also been included in the preliminary assessment.
Singh said the valuation of hotels, land, plots and shops was yet to be completed. Bank accounts, investments and other financial records were also being examined, and the total value of the assets could increase further.
The operation began around 7 am with two teams. A team led by Lokayukta SP Sunil Patidar searched Sharma’s official residence and office in Pachmarhi, while another searched his ancestral house in Professor Colony, Chhindwara.
At the Chhindwara residence, officials recovered Rs 3,01,800 in cash, 927.924 grams of gold and 356 grams of silver. From the government accommodation in Pachmarhi, they seized Rs 23.35 lakh in cash, 1,600 grams of gold and 1,300 grams of silver jewellery.
Two locked cupboards were also found at the ancestral house, with their keys reportedly in Sharma’s possession. The searches were conducted following a warrant issued by a special court in Narmadapuram.
Documents concerning properties in Chhindwara and Hoshangabad, including plots and shops, are being examined to determine the total extent of the officer’s assets.
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