Bhopal: More than a year after the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta conducted raids on premises linked to former transport department constable Saurabh Sharma on December 19, 2024, investigators have yet to file a chargesheet. Officials attribute the delay to the extensive scrutiny of documents, financial records, and property papers in what has become one of the state's largest corruption investigations.
Massive Seizures During Raids
Multiple raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) department at Sharma's properties last year yielded Rs 2.85 crore in cash and 234 kg of silver found at his residence. Additionally, an abandoned SUV belonging to an associate was discovered containing 52 kg of gold bars and another Rs 11 crore in cash.
Estimated Asset Trail
Based on cash, gold, jewelry, immovable properties, business investments, and documents seized by the Lokayukta, IT department, and ED, Sharma's suspected asset trail is tentatively pegged at Rs 100–150 crore in traceable wealth. However, some complaints and preliminary estimates by investigators suggest the wider network could run into Rs 500–700 crore, a figure yet to be officially established.
Case Registration and Expansion
The Lokayukta registered a disproportionate assets case against Sharma following the December 2024 searches. The case later expanded, with other agencies like the ED also probing financial transactions and alleged benami links.
Delay in Chargesheet Filing
Even after more than a year since the raids and months after the FIR was registered, the investigating agency is yet to place a chargesheet before the special court. Lokayukta officials defended the delay, stating that investigators are examining thousands of documents seized during raids and subsequent searches.
“There are heaps of documents that need verification. Every financial transaction and property record has to be cross-checked. The chargesheet will be filed soon,” said Yogesh Deshmukh, DG special police establishment (SPE).
According to officials, the probe involves scrutiny of bank records, property papers, investment details, and financial transactions allegedly linked to Sharma and his associates.
Default Bail and Ongoing Proceedings
The delay in filing the prosecution report had earlier helped Sharma secure default bail in the Lokayukta case. He, however, continues to face proceedings in a separate Enforcement Directorate case.
National Attention
The case sparked national attention after searches linked to Sharma allegedly revealed large amounts of cash, gold, and documents related to multiple properties. Investigators are also examining whether assets were purchased through associates or other entities.
