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Corrupt IFS Officer Birendra Chaudhary Brings Disgrace to the Indian Forest Service
Chandigarh: The Central Government has granted approval to prosecute IFS officer Birendra Chaudhary in a disproportionate assets case. Chaudhary served as the Deputy Conservator of Forests in Chandigarh from 2014 to 2017. The CBI had filed a case against Chaudhary and his wife three years prior, alleging that he amassed assets 186.33 times greater than his known sources of income. In August 2017, acting on complaints from sawmill owners, the CBI arrested Chaudhary on charges of accepting a bribe of one lakh rupees, leading to his suspension. He was later reinstated. Currently, Chaudhary is posted in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With the Central Government’s nod, the CBI will proceed with the case against him, and hearings are scheduled to commence in the special CBI court from August 29.
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Suspicion Leads to Asset Investigation: Following Chaudhary’s arrest for accepting a bribe of one lakh rupees, the CBI grew suspicious of his financial dealings and initiated a probe into his assets. The investigation spanned from 2011 to 2021, assessing his income and property holdings. Findings revealed that while his total movable and immovable assets were valued at 22.60 lakh rupees in 2011, they had escalated to 2.40 crore rupees by 2021.
Bail Applications Filed by the Couple: Both Birendra Chaudhary and his wife have submitted bail applications in the special CBI court. They have been summoned to appear before the court but fear potential arrest by the CBI upon their appearance. To preempt this, they have filed for anticipatory bail, with the hearing slated for August 12.