CBI Files Disproportionate Assets Case Against Puducherry PWD Chief Engineer
In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has officially registered a disproportionate assets case against M Dhinadayalan, the chief engineer of the Puducherry Public Works Department (PWD). This legal action comes approximately one year after the agency caught him red-handed, along with an executive engineer, for accepting a bribe.
Details of the Bribery and Arrest
The case originated when CBI arrested Dhinadayalan and executive engineer R Chidambaranathan on charges of demanding a bribe of ₹6 lakh. This amount was allegedly sought as approximately 1% of a tender valued at ₹7.44 crore for a government project. The CBI laid a meticulous trap and successfully apprehended both engineers while they were in the act of accepting the bribe.
Following the arrests, CBI officials conducted extensive searches at the residences and offices of the accused in Puducherry and Karaikal. These raids proved highly fruitful, leading to the recovery of ₹73 lakh in cash—₹65 lakh from Dhinadayalan's residence and ₹8 lakh from Chidambaranathan's house. Additionally, incriminating documents were seized, which further strengthened the case against the accused.
Investigation Reveals Massive Wealth Discrepancy
The investigation into Dhinadayalan's financial affairs uncovered a staggering disparity between his known sources of income and his accumulated wealth. According to the CBI, Dhinadayalan amassed assets that were 200% more than his legitimate earnings during the check period.
Specifically, it was ascertained that Dhinadayalan earned ₹1.25 crore over six years, from 2019 to 2025. However, his assets and expenses during this period were found to be disproportionate to his income, totaling an astonishing ₹2.67 crore. This substantial mismatch raised serious questions about the sources of his wealth.
Wife Added as Accused in the Case
As the probe deepened, the CBI added Dhinadayalan's wife, Vahida, as an accused in the case. The investigation revealed that she intentionally abetted her husband in his acts of illicit enrichment. The First Information Report (FIR) filed by the CBI states clearly that Dhinadayalan, in his capacity as a public servant, intentionally enriched himself illicitly during his tenure.
The FIR further emphasizes that Dhinadayalan was unable to satisfactorily explain or account for the disproportionate assets discovered. This failure to provide a legitimate justification for the wealth accumulation has been a key factor in the case proceeding to the next legal stage.
Legal Implications and Broader Context
The registration of a disproportionate assets case marks a serious escalation in the legal proceedings against the accused. Such cases are typically pursued under the Prevention of Corruption Act and can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and confiscation of assets, if convictions are secured.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within public works departments and other government agencies. It underscores the critical role of vigilant investigative bodies like the CBI in uncovering and prosecuting malfeasance among public officials.
The case also serves as a reminder of the mechanisms in place to combat corruption, including sting operations and financial audits, which aim to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
