The Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta has seized assets valued at approximately Rs 7.6 crore following widespread raids on properties connected to a senior forest official. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, who serves as the Assistant Director of the Satpura Tiger Reserve, is the subject of a disproportionate assets investigation initiated by the state's anti-corruption agency.
Teams from the Lokayukta’s Bhopal division executed search warrants on Saturday across three primary locations. These included Sharma’s government office and accommodation situated in Narmadapuram district, as well as his private residence in Chhindwara district. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Inspector General Manoj Kumar Singh and directed by Director General of Lokayukta Yogesh Deshmukh.
During the searches, investigators recovered Rs 26.36 lakh in cash, 2.5 kg of gold valued at roughly Rs 3.5 crore, and 1.6 kg of silver worth approximately Rs 2.9 lakh. Beyond these liquid assets, the raiding teams identified two hospitality properties: the Ecotel Resort, valued at approximately Rs 2 crore, and a property named Serenity The Villa, estimated at Rs 1 crore. Both sites are currently slated for formal valuation.
The search also yielded documents pertaining to 28 separate land transactions, which are now under scrutiny. Investigators further documented several vehicles, including a Mahindra Scorpio, a Mahindra KUV, a Royal Enfield Bullet, and a scooter, with a collective estimated value of Rs 31.2 lakh. Domestic assets and household goods accounted for an additional Rs 50 lakh.
Key facts
- The total provisional value of the seized assets is estimated at Rs 7.6 crore.
- Authorities allege the official's wealth is 560 per cent higher than his known income.
- An FIR was filed against Sharma under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
- The investigation suggests some assets were held in the names of the official's wife and private individuals.
Why it matters
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities indicate that the total value of the seized assets may rise as they finalize the valuation of properties and review the land transaction documents. The case highlights a significant ongoing probe into corruption involving high-ranking forest department officials in the state.
Background
The anti-corruption operation follows a preliminary probe that initially suggested Sharma had amassed wealth 228 per cent higher than his documented sources of income before the official raids were conducted.
Source: Indian Express
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