The Antop Hill police station is holding on to ₹39 lakh in recovered cash linked to a reported theft, but the situation has taken an unexpected twist—neither the complainant nor the accused is willing to claim ownership. The case began when Umesh Yogendra Narayan, a 32-year-old superintendent with the GST department, lodged a theft complaint on June 10, alleging valuables worth ₹6.95 lakh—including cash, a laptop, and his wife’s jewellery—were stolen from his government quarters.
Police were quick to act, registering a case under Sections 305(a) (theft in a dwelling house) and 331(3) (house trespass) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. However, inconsistencies in Narayan’s statements soon caught investigators’ attention.
Colleague Becomes Prime Suspect After ₹39 Lakh Discovery
While probing the theft, police discovered that Narayan had been living alone in his Antop Hill residence since June 2024, casting doubt on the claim that his wife’s jewellery was stolen. Further, Narayan had given a spare key to his GST colleague, Deepak Dahiya, an executive assistant. Although Dahiya had left for work with Narayan on June 9, police believe he may have returned later to commit the theft.
A search at Dahiya’s residence unearthed ₹39 lakh in cash hidden under his bed. Dahiya alleged that the money belonged to Narayan. Narayan, however, denied the claim, creating a deadlock over ownership of the recovered funds.
Dahiya was arrested on June 13 but was granted bail shortly thereafter. He has also been suspended from his duties at the GST department pending further investigation.
Black Money Suspicions Prompt CBI Involvement
Police now suspect that Narayan was holding unaccounted black money—possibly ₹34 lakh of the ₹39 lakh discovered—and attempted to report it as stolen to avoid scrutiny. Since neither party is claiming the money and the circumstances suggest illicit financial activity, the case is set to escalate.
Sources indicate that the Central Bureau of Investigation’s anti-corruption wing has begun recording statements and is likely to register an FIR under corruption charges soon. The ₹39 lakh remains in police custody as a critical piece of evidence in what is shaping up to be a high-profile financial scandal involving government officers.