Abuse of Power
ED Targets IPS Officer Amit Lodha Over Disproportionate Assets Linked to Netflix’s Khakee
The Enforcement Directorate has opened a case against IPS officer Amit Lodha and his wife over disproportionate assets linked to his involvement with the Netflix series Khakee. Allegations include failing to obtain government approval for his book and series deals, and his rising profile has attracted both admiration and scrutiny, especially in Bihar’s politically charged environment.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a case against IPS officer Amit Lodha and his wife, Komudi Lodha, for allegations of disproportionate assets (DA) and other irregularities. Amit Lodha, a well-known figure due to his book Bihar Diaries and its Netflix adaptation Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, is currently posted as Inspector General (IG) at the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) in Bihar.
The DA case against Lodha was initially filed by the state vigilance department in December 2022 when he served as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Magadh range in Bihar. The ED has now expanded the investigation, focusing on the alleged accumulation of wealth beyond their known sources of income.
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Amit Lodha’s rise to fame through Khakee: The Bihar Chapter has also contributed to his current legal challenges. According to the All India Services Rules, government officials like Lodha are required to obtain prior approval from their respective departments before engaging in artistic or commercial endeavors. However, it has been alleged that Lodha entered into a deal with the production house Friday Storytellers for the Netflix series without seeking government permission. His book, Bihar Diaries, which details his encounters with notorious criminals, particularly from the Ashok Mahto gang, became a bestseller and brought him both fame and scrutiny.
Complicating matters further, some observers believe the case has a political dimension. Bihar’s political landscape, especially following Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s realignment with the RJD, might have influenced the scrutiny on Lodha. The portrayal of certain characters in the Khakee series as villains, linked with caste politics, is said to have caused discomfort among political factions in the state.
Lodha’s suspension following the FIR marked a significant downturn in his otherwise illustrious career, which had included numerous high-profile arrests and recognition for maintaining law and order. Despite his contributions, critics point out that the ongoing investigation into his wealth and his controversial dealings with Netflix have overshadowed his achievements.
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