Bihar EOU Conducts Raid on Suspected Benami Property in Siliguri
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police executed a search operation on Wednesday at a two-storey building located in Siliguri, West Bengal. This property is officially registered under the name of Shagufta Shamim, but investigators suspect it to be a benami asset actually owned by Gautam Kumar, the former Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Kishanganj, who was suspended from duty just a day prior.
Details of the Property and Investigation
During the investigation, the EOU team uncovered that the property was registered on July 10, 2025, in West Bengal. Shagufta Shamim, a resident of Line Bazar, Jhanda Chowk, Purnia, is listed as the owner. She is alleged to be the girlfriend of the suspended officer, Gautam Kumar. To carry out the search, the EOU obtained a warrant from the court of the Special Judge (Vigilance) in Patna. The operation was led by ASP-cum-IO Indra Prakash, ensuring legal compliance and thorough execution.
Evidence recovered during the search strongly suggests that Gautam Kumar is the real owner of this property, according to officers involved. The documents and information seized are currently undergoing verification to confirm their authenticity and link them to the ongoing probe.
Background on Gautam Kumar and Previous Raids
Gautam Kumar, who was serving as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Kishanganj, was removed from his position following an EOU raid on March 31, 2026. Initial investigations alleged that he possessed assets worth approximately Rs 1.94 crore, which is about 60% higher than his known sources of income. However, post-raid assessments indicate that the total value of his assets could potentially escalate to Rs 80-90 crore, highlighting the scale of the alleged financial irregularities.
On March 31, 2026, the EOU conducted simultaneous raids at six locations connected to Gautam Kumar across Purnia, Kishanganj, Patna, and Siliguri. These searches led to the recovery of documents related to around 25 land plots, many of which are suspected to be benami properties. Incriminating evidence was found in the names of his wife, Ruby Kashyap, and Shagufta Shamim, among others, further complicating the case and pointing to a network of undisclosed assets.
Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This latest raid in Siliguri underscores the EOU's intensified efforts to uncover benami transactions and corruption within the police force. The involvement of multiple properties and individuals suggests a broader pattern of financial misconduct that authorities are determined to unravel. As the verification of documents progresses, more details are expected to emerge, potentially leading to further legal actions against those implicated.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for governance and law enforcement integrity in Bihar. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating economic offences and the importance of vigilant oversight in public service roles.
