In a major crackdown on corruption, the Lokayukta Police in Madhya Pradesh seized assets worth ₹7.98 crore from former constable Saurabh Sharma. The recovered assets include ₹2.87 crore in cash, 234 kilograms of silver, jewellery worth ₹50 lakh, and vehicles. The searches were conducted at Sharma’s residence and office in the Arera Colony of Bhopal on December 18 and 19, as confirmed by Lokayukta Police Director General Jaideep Prasad.
Saurabh Sharma, who joined the state transport department as a constable in 2015 on compassionate grounds following the death of his father, Dr. RK Sharma, a government doctor, had taken voluntary retirement earlier this year. Investigations revealed that Sharma allegedly used corrupt practices to accumulate substantial wealth during his tenure. The assets were registered under the names of his mother, wife, sister-in-law, and close associates Chetan Singh Gaud and Sharad Jaiswal. The wealth included investments in a school and hotel.
During the raids, ₹1.15 crore in cash, foreign currency, jewellery worth ₹50 lakh, and vehicles valued at ₹2.21 crore were seized from Sharma’s residence. Additional searches at his office unearthed ₹1.72 crore in cash, 234 kg of silver valued at ₹2.10 crore, and other assets worth ₹3 crore. Bank documents and land records were also recovered and are currently under scrutiny.
Summons have been issued to Saurabh Sharma, his wife, mother, and associates Gaud and Jaiswal, requiring them to appear for questioning. The Income Tax (I-T) department has also taken action, seizing significant cash and gold from Gaud. In a separate operation on December 19, I-T officials recovered over ₹10 crore in cash and more than 50 kg of gold from a car belonging to Gaud on the outskirts of Bhopal.
This investigation sheds light on the extensive misuse of public office and resources. The Lokayukta Police and I-T department are continuing their probe into the financial dealings of Sharma and his associates. The recovered assets and financial records are expected to play a key role in unraveling the larger network of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation.
The case underscores the state’s commitment to curbing corruption and ensuring accountability among public servants, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of misusing government positions for personal gain.
