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Gold and cash worth crores have been seized in separate operations by the Income Tax Department and the Lokayukta Police in Bhopal, by exposing an alleged network that involves politicians, government officials, and real estate businesses.
The most sensational find was 52 kg of gold bars valued at over ₹40 crore and ₹10 crore in cash, that was discovered in an abandoned Innova car. The vehicle was located in the Mendori forest on the outskirts of the city after receiving some news that gold was being smuggled through the forest area.
A force of 100 policemen and 30 police vehicles surrounded the car to prevent any escape, but upon investigating, they found it empty, except for two bags packed with gold and stacks of cash. The car is currently registered to Chetan Gaur, a Gwalior citizen and associate of Saurabh Sharma, a former constable with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Mr. Sharma, along with several builders, is already under investigation, and it’s doubted that the recovered gold and cash might be linked. No one has claimed ownership of the seized assets, and inquiries are going on consistently to determine their source.
Moreover, a Lokayukta team raided Mr. Sharma’s residence in Bhopal's affluent Arera Colony on Thursday. During the raid, authorities found out crores in cash, half a kilogram of gold, diamonds, silver bars, and property papers.
These raids were part of a series of extensive searches in Bhopal over the past 2 days, which targeted influential builders. Sources have indicated that these builders have connections to powerful politicians and bureaucrats.
Rajesh Sharma, an important figure in the local construction industry, is one of the individuals raided by the Income Tax Department. He is allegedly linked to a senior former bureaucrat and influential figures who have reportedly helped him to secure significant project contracts.
When the raid was going on, ₹3 crore in cash, gold jewelry worth lakhs, and documents related to land acquisitions were seized from the builders. Authorities also discovered 10 lockers belonging to Mr. Sharma and records elaborating the purchase of 5 acres of land.