Bihar EOU Interrogates DRDA Director in Disproportionate Assets Case
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar police conducted a detailed interrogation of Vaibhav Kumar, the director of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Saharsa, on Wednesday. This questioning is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that Kumar amassed assets significantly disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Interrogation Details and Cooperation
A five-member team from the EOU questioned Kumar for over an hour at their office in Patna. Initially summoned on Tuesday, Kumar failed to appear, prompting the agency to issue a fresh summons. He subsequently arrived in Patna on Wednesday for the interrogation.
EOU Deputy Inspector General Manavjit Singh Dhillon provided insights into the session, stating that the interrogation lasted approximately four hours. Kumar cooperated on certain issues but declined to answer others, according to Dhillon. The director requested additional time to respond properly with supporting documents, which the EOU granted. He has been called again for further questioning on Tuesday, April 14.
Recoveries and Asset Details
During the interrogation, Dhillon highlighted the recoveries made from recent raids. The team is currently examining all documents and details to compile a final list of disproportionate assets, a process expected to take about a month. The illicit funds were allegedly acquired through corruption and tender management during Kumar's postings in various districts, including his tenure as a Block Development Officer (BDO).
The initial First Information Report (FIR) mentioned disproportionate assets valued at Rs 2.41 crore, with around 70% originating from unverified income sources. However, following the raids, the exact amount is still being calculated and is likely to increase significantly.
Background of Raids and Properties
On March 31, the EOU executed simultaneous raids at six locations associated with Kumar in Saharsa and Muzaffarpur. These searches led to the recovery of important documents related to 16 properties. These include valuable commercial and residential land plots in Patna and Muzaffarpur, purchased since 2016. Many of these properties are registered in the names of Kumar's wife, son, and father, raising further suspicions about the source of funds.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the assets and the methods used to accumulate them.
