Special Vigilance Unit Files Disproportionate Assets Case Against Bettiah Engineer
The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has taken decisive action by registering a disproportionate assets case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Roshan Kumar, a contractual assistant engineer stationed at the district education project office in Bettiah. This legal move follows a series of events that have exposed significant financial irregularities.
Arrest and Initial Bribery Incident
Kumar's legal troubles began on March 1, 2026, when he was apprehended by authorities while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh along with a smart watch. This red-handed capture marked the initial phase of what would become a more extensive investigation into his financial activities.
Substantial Cash Recovery from Residence
Following his arrest, SVU officials conducted a thorough search of Kumar's Bettiah residence. During this operation, they made a startling discovery: Rs 42 lakh in cash concealed in a carton placed on a roof ledge. This substantial amount of unaccounted money immediately raised serious questions about the source of these funds.
Discrepancy Between Income and Assets
The SVU's financial analysis revealed a troubling disparity. Since his appointment in October 2023, Kumar's total income amounted to Rs 11.6 lakh, while his documented expenditure stood at Rs 3.86 lakh. This left him with legitimate savings of approximately Rs 7.73 lakh.
However, the cash seized from his residence—Rs 42 lakh—far exceeded these savings, creating a disproportionate assets value of Rs 34.27 lakh. This represents approximately 295% more than his known income, indicating substantial unexplained wealth accumulation.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigation
Additional Director General of Police (SVU) Pankaj Kumar Darad provided crucial context, noting that Kumar was drawing a monthly salary of Rs 40,000. "Further investigation is underway to uncover the complete picture of these financial irregularities," Darad stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the probe.
The case highlights the SVU's continued vigilance against corruption in public positions, particularly involving contractual employees who might exploit their positions for personal gain. The substantial cash recovery and the mathematical evidence of disproportionate assets strengthen the case against the accused engineer.
