Bhopal — In a real-life crime thriller that gripped the city of Bhopal, anti-corruption officials have unearthed an astonishing mountain of wealth during raids on the residences and properties of a retired Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer, GP Mehra. What began as a routine investigation into disproportionate assets quickly escalated into one of Madhya Pradesh’s most sensational corruption stories in recent years, a tale brimming with greed, opulence, and bewildering discoveries. The early morning raid by four Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)-rank officers of the Lokayukta — India’s anti-corruption ombudsman — turned into a spectacle as raiding teams fanned out across four locations in Bhopal and Narmadapuram. By evening, the sheer scale of the findings left investigators stunned: a haul that read like the inventory of a king’s treasury, including multiple crores in assets, luxury cars, and a truly unexpected 17 tonnes of honey.
The Urban Hoard: Cash, Gold, and Fixed Deposits
The initial raids began at Mr. Mehra’s plush home in Manipuram Colony. Here, officials discovered a substantial Rs 8.79 lakh in cash, along with jewellery estimated at nearly Rs 50 lakh, and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 56 lakh. Yet, this was merely a prelude to the true scale of his alleged illicit wealth. The real treasure, investigators found, lay at his second residence, a luxury apartment in Opal Regency near Dana Pani. Here, officials “struck gold,” quite literally. The apartment yielded Rs 26 lakh in cash, a significant 2.6 kilograms of gold worth approximately Rs 3.05 crore, and 5.5 kilograms of silver. Money-counting machines had to be called in to process the vast amounts of currency, underscoring the astonishing volume of liquid assets Mr. Mehra had allegedly accumulated.
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An Empire in the Countryside: From Cottages to 17 Tonnes of Honey
While the urban properties screamed extravagance, it was Mr. Mehra’s farmhouse in village Saini, Tehsil Sohagpur (Narmadapuram), that revealed an empire of almost surreal opulence. Here, anti-corruption officers stumbled upon an extraordinary mix of assets, painting a vivid picture of a man living far beyond the means of a government engineer. The farmhouse complex included 17 tonnes of honey, meticulously stacked. Adding to this bizarre discovery were six tractors, 32 cottages under construction, and seven already completed cottages. The property also boasted a private pond equipped with fish farming facilities, a cowshed, and even a temple. A fleet of luxury cars, including a Ford Endeavour, Skoda Slavia, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Ciaz, all registered in the Mehra family’s name, completed the picture of lavish living.
Business Fronts and Family Ties Under Scrutiny
The anti-corruption operation extended beyond Mr. Mehra’s residences to KT Industries in the Govindpura Industrial Area. This establishment is believed to be a business front for the retired engineer, designed to channel or legitimize his ill-gotten gains. At KT Industries, officers found equipment, raw materials, and an additional Rs 1.25 lakh in cash. Crucially, documents seized during the raid showed that Mr. Mehra’s relatives were listed as partners in the firm, suggesting a broader network potentially involved in his alleged corrupt activities.
The Grand Total: A King’s Treasury Awaiting Valuation
By the end of the day, the total haul from the various locations was staggering: Rs 36.04 lakh in cash, 2.649 kg of gold, 5.523 kg of silver, along with numerous fixed deposits, insurance policies, share documents, and multiple properties. The four luxury cars alone represent a significant asset. Lokayukta officials confirmed that the valuation of all seized assets was still underway but was expected to run into several crores of Indian rupees. Meanwhile, forensic teams have been deployed to meticulously examine the seized documents, digital files, and banking records. Investigators are now tracing Mr. Mehra’s financial trail, specifically looking for evidence of “benami” investments — properties or assets held in the name of another person to conceal the true owner. The investigation is expected to unravel the full extent of this unprecedented case of alleged corruption.
