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Bhopal:
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has become the focal point of one of the most sensational corruption scandals in the recent history. The discovery of 52 kgs of gold and Rs 11 crore in cash in an abandoned vehicle has raised a significant question: Who owns it?
Saurabh Sharma, a former constable in the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department, is at the center of an investigation involving many of the agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department (IT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), & Lokayukta police.
Empire Crumbled
Sharma’s downfall began with a raid in December 2024, which revealed assets worth nearly Rs 8 crore, that included cash, jewelry, & property documents. Shortly after, a white coloured Toyota Innova was abandoned in the Mendori jungle near Bhopal, was discovered to contain 52 kg of gold and Rs 11 crore in cash.
What started as an investigation in an officer’s corruption has now exposed a greater network of corruption involving senior government officials and real estate dealings across Madhya Pradesh.
Contradictions
The investigation has been marred by confusion, as the court documents revealed major discrepancies in the Lokayukta’s reporting of the seized assets. While initial reports indicated that Rs 7.98cr in cash had been recovered, a DSP-level officer later stated that only Rs 55 lakh was seized, along with some of the jewelry and silver.
These inconsistencies have raised several concerns about negligence—or even deliberate misrepresentation in the anti-corruption agency’s probe. The ED has now taken over crucial aspects of the investigation, which cites potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Missing Owner of the 'Golden Car'
Even after sincere efforts of multiple agencies, no one has come forward to claim the abandoned treasure. The car was registered to Chetan Singh Gaur, a close associate of Sharma, but Gaur has clearly said no about any involvement, claiming he had only lent the vehicle to an unidentified driver.
CCTV footage displays the car near Sharma’s residence on the night of the raids. Anyways, the Lokayukta failed to intercept the vehicle, which was later abandoned. This has ignited speculation that insiders may have alerted key suspects, by allowing them time to move incriminating evidence.
The 'Golden Network'
This investigation has now extended beyond Madhya Pradesh, with agencies looking into possible connections to illegal gold smuggling. Sharma’s financial dealings suggest links to Dubai, Switzerland, & Australia.
Transactions that are worth Rs 100 crore have surfaced, implicating transport officials across 52 districts.