EOW's 'Operation Shikanja' Leads to Major Arrests Across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has significantly ramped up its efforts against absconding economic offenders. Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the agency arrested 28 wanted accused during a special statewide campaign named 'Operation Shikanja'. This operation marks a decisive move to tackle financial crimes that have plagued the region.
Coordinated Raids and Strategic Teams Drive Success
To execute this crackdown, the EOW formed eight special teams at both headquarters and sector levels. These teams received support from a central crack unit, enabling coordinated raids and surveillance-based arrests. The operations spanned multiple locations, including Delhi and several districts across Uttar Pradesh. An official spokesperson highlighted the campaign's impact, stating that the scale and success of 'Operation Shikanja' demonstrate the EOW's unwavering focus on economic offenders who exploit systemic loopholes and breach public trust.
High-Profile Arrest in Rs 100-Crore Real Estate Fraud
Among the notable arrests, Neeraj Kumar Mishra stands out. Mishra, who served as the manager of administration and finance at Shri Balaji Hitech Constructions Pvt Ltd, was apprehended on January 9 from Gautam Budh Nagar. His arrest links to a massive real estate fraud case in Ghaziabad, involving approximately Rs 100 crore. Investigators revealed that company directors, in collusion with bank officials, engaged in fraudulent practices. They allotted the same flat to multiple buyers, facilitated bank loans through manipulated documentation, and systematically siphoned off funds. Mishra allegedly played a key role in handling loan approvals, allotment letters, payment demands, and customer relations, making his capture a critical breakthrough.
Breakthrough in 2018 UPSSSC Recruitment Scam
In another significant development, the EOW arrested seven accused connected to the 2018 recruitment scam conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC). This scam involved 1,953 posts, including positions for village development officers (VDOs), gram panchayat officers, and social welfare supervisors. The recruitment process, which was executed through TCS Ltd, suffered from large-scale irregularities. The arrests include six candidates who allegedly benefited from the manipulation and one private firm employee, Umesh Pal. Pal worked as an assistant programmer and scanner-in-charge, underscoring the depth of the corruption.
Embezzlement Case in Amethi Housing Project
The EOW also made progress in a case involving alleged embezzlement of funds meant for housing development. Radheshyam Srivastava, a resident engineer under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP), was arrested. He is implicated in the misappropriation of Rs 7.15 crore allocated for the construction of 534 C-Type housing units in Amethi. This arrest highlights the EOW's commitment to addressing corruption in public welfare projects, ensuring that funds intended for community development reach their rightful purposes.
Overall, 'Operation Shikanja' represents a robust response to economic crimes, with the EOW leveraging strategic teamwork and coordinated actions to bring offenders to justice. The arrests span various sectors, from real estate and recruitment to public housing, reflecting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding economic integrity in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
