The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted searches across Madhya Pradesh as part of a money-laundering investigation involving Saurabh Sharma, a former transport department official accused of possessing disproportionate assets.
The action follows recent raids by the Lokayukta police, who unearthed significant undeclared wealth linked to Sharma.
Searches were carried out at 5-6 locations in Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur, targeting properties associated with Sharma’s family and close associates, official sources confirmed.
The case gained further traction after the Lokayukta police discovered assets worth over ₹3 crore during a raid on Sharma’s premises in Bhopal last week. This included ₹2.85 crore in cash.
Adding to the intrigue, on December 20, the Income Tax Department seized 52 kilograms of gold bars valued at ₹40 crore and over ₹11 crore in cash from an abandoned SUV in Bhopal. Investigations revealed the vehicle was registered under the name of Chetan Singh Gaur, a “close associate” of Sharma.
Sources suggest a possible link between the assets recovered during the Lokayukta raid and the gold and cash found in the SUV, with an investigation underway to establish the connection.
Sharma, who took voluntary retirement about a year ago, now faces intensified scrutiny as authorities delve deeper into the origins of his wealth and potential money-laundering activities.
The ED’s actions underscore its focus on combating corruption and illicit financial activities, particularly in cases involving public officials and their associates. The investigation continues to unfold, with officials aiming to trace the full extent of the alleged money-laundering network.
