Patna Vigilance Raid Takes Dramatic Turn as Official Allegedly Throws Cash Out Window
A vigilance operation in Patna turned into a scene straight out of a thriller on Thursday when Pankaj Kumar, deputy general manager (projects) at the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (BMSIDC), allegedly resorted to desperate measures as the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) arrived at his residence. According to officials, Kumar threw bundles of cash out of a window of his Kadamkuan flat in a frantic attempt to conceal evidence as the SVU team arrived to conduct raids in connection with a disproportionate assets case.
Simultaneous Raids Across Multiple Locations
The SVU conducted simultaneous raids at three different locations linked to Kumar. These included his residential flat in Kadamkuan, another residence on Sumati Path at Ranighat in Mahendru under Sultan Ganj police station area, and his office at BMSIDC. The operation was meticulously planned following the registration of an FIR under Sections 13(1)(b), 13(2) and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).
Officials stated that the raiding team moved with exceptional swiftness after noticing the attempt to dispose of the cash. Their prompt action prevented the complete destruction of evidence and led to significant recoveries.
Substantial Recoveries Made During Search Operation
During the comprehensive search operation, the SVU recovered substantial assets including:
- Rs 32 lakh in cash
- Diamond, gold and silver jewellery valued at Rs 1.31 crore
Of particular interest was the discovery of Rs 5 lakh found dumped in a garbage pile outside the flat. This money, officials believe, was part of the cash thrown out moments earlier in Kumar's desperate attempt to hide it from the authorities.
Disproportionate Assets Beyond Known Income Sources
According to SVU officials, Kumar allegedly amassed assets worth approximately Rs 96 lakh beyond his known sources of income during his nearly 13 years of service in various posts within the Bihar government. This substantial discrepancy between his legitimate earnings and accumulated wealth formed the basis of the disproportionate assets case against him.
In an official statement, the SVU revealed that documents related to several immovable properties registered in the names of Kumar and his wife were also recovered during the raids. These documents suggest that the actual assets acquired might be far higher than those initially mentioned in the FIR.
Properties and Financial Documents Uncovered
The investigation has so far identified multiple properties linked to Kumar, including:
- Two flats in an apartment complex in Prithvipur Colony in Kankarbagh
- Another flat in the Kadamkuan area
Investigators made another significant discovery during the raids: more than 150 receipts linked to the purchase of gold jewellery during Kumar's service period. Additionally, documents related to investments in various financial institutions and bank accounts were recovered. These papers are currently undergoing detailed scrutiny to trace the money trail and establish the full extent of the assets involved.
Official Admission and Ongoing Investigation
In a significant development, SVU officials confirmed that Kumar admitted that the Rs 32 lakh in cash and jewellery worth Rs 1.31 crore recovered from his residence belonged to him. This admission adds weight to the case against the official.
The investigation is currently ongoing as authorities work to determine the complete extent of the assets and trace their sources. The SVU obtained search warrants from a competent court before carrying out the simultaneous raids at the three locations in Patna, ensuring the operation followed proper legal procedures.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by vigilance authorities in Bihar to combat corruption and disproportionate accumulation of wealth among public officials. The dramatic nature of the raid, with cash being thrown out of a window, underscores the lengths to which some individuals might go to conceal ill-gotten gains when faced with scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.
