CBI's Anti-Corruption Bureau Files Disproportionate Assets Case Against Senior Lucknow Official and Wife
In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a disproportionate assets (DA) case against a senior government official posted in Lucknow and his wife. The case, filed on Thursday, targets Avinash Tambe, who served as a section officer (sales & purchase) at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), and his spouse, Pranali Tambe, for alleged irregularities in procurement from private firms.
Details of the Alleged Financial Irregularities
The CBI probe has uncovered that during the check period from September 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023, the accused couple allegedly accumulated assets worth Rs 25.84 lakh and incurred expenditures of Rs 2.56 lakh. This stands in stark contrast to their total known income of Rs 7.69 lakh for the same period. Investigators have determined that the couple possessed disproportionate assets amounting to Rs 13.85 lakh, which is approximately 180% higher than their legitimate income.
Breakdown of Assets and Financial Holdings
The assets identified in the case include:
- Cash deposits of Rs 12.31 lakh in a State Bank of India account held by Avinash Tambe.
- Cash deposits of Rs 6.66 lakh in an account held by his wife, Pranali Tambe.
- Immovable property in the form of agricultural land valued at Rs 6.86 lakh.
These findings highlight a substantial mismatch between the couple's reported earnings and their financial holdings, raising serious questions about the source of these funds.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Avinash Tambe was suspended in 2024 prior to this case, indicating prior disciplinary actions. The CBI has now intensified its scrutiny, examining financial records, bank transactions, and property documents to establish the full extent of the alleged irregularities. The agency aims to trace the origins of the disproportionate assets and determine whether they stem from corrupt practices linked to procurement activities at IITR.
This case underscores the CBI's ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government institutions, particularly in procurement processes that involve public funds. The investigation is expected to delve deeper into the couple's financial dealings and may lead to further legal actions as evidence is compiled.
