Patna: The Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has claimed to have uncovered assets worth crores of rupees during searches conducted in a disproportionate assets investigation against Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, an Executive Engineer posted with the Minor Water Resources Department in Sasaram. Simultaneous raids were carried out on Thursday at six premises linked to the official in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Sasaram and Banka. During the searches, investigators recovered approximately ₹900,000 in cash, around 500 grams of gold valued at nearly ₹7.5 million, documents relating to investments in flats and land, insurance policies, and banking records. The agency has initiated a detailed financial investigation into the alleged assets.
According to the EOU, Chaudhary joined government service in March 2014. Preliminary findings allege that during nearly 12 years of service, he accumulated assets substantially disproportionate to his known sources of income. Based on these allegations, the agency obtained search warrants from a competent court before conducting coordinated searches at multiple locations.
During the raids, investigators identified two luxury apartments located in upscale residential complexes in Danapur. According to the agency, one apartment is situated in Venus Paradise at Adampur, while the other is located in Venus Empire at Ashopur. Officials stated that both properties are currently estimated to be worth several crores of rupees. Investigators are also examining expenditure on interior decoration and furnishings, which reportedly involved additional investments running into several lakhs.
The EOU also recovered approximately ₹900,000 in cash and around 500 grams of gold during the searches. Officials estimated the market value of the seized gold at about ₹7.5 million. In addition, documents relating to flats, land parcels, and other immovable properties, along with purchase records and financial papers, were seized. Investigators will scrutinize these documents to determine when the properties were acquired, the consideration paid, and the sources of funds used for the purchases.
The searches further led to the recovery of documents relating to 17 insurance policies. Investigators also identified 21 bank accounts linked to the accused. The EOU has frozen approximately ₹2.5 million held in these accounts and associated fixed deposits to prevent withdrawal or transfer of funds while the investigation is underway. Financial experts within the agency are analysing banking transactions, investment patterns, and account activity to trace the flow of funds.
Officials said the primary objective of the investigation is to determine whether the assets acquired by the Executive Engineer are proportionate to his legitimate income. For this purpose, investigators will compare salary records, service details, income tax returns, bank statements, investment documents, insurance records, and property ownership papers. If the allegations of disproportionate assets are substantiated, further legal action will be initiated under the applicable provisions of law.
As part of the financial investigation, the EOU is also examining the actual ownership of the properties, the origin of investment funds, possible benami transactions, and whether any assets were acquired in the names of family members or close associates. Digital devices, banking documents, and property records seized during the searches will undergo forensic and financial analysis to reconstruct the money trail and identify the complete network of investments.
The investigation remains in progress. The agency is evaluating the seized documents, bank accounts, insurance policies, and immovable assets to determine the full extent of the alleged disproportionate wealth. The EOU has emphasized that its findings are preliminary and that final conclusions will be drawn only after a comprehensive examination of the evidence. The accused will also have the opportunity to present his defence in accordance with the due process of law.
