INDORE: Anti-corruption police in Madhya Pradesh have seized movable and immovable assets worth an estimated Rs 18.59 crore from a retired excise officer, Dharmendra Singh Bhadoria. The raids, conducted in Gwalior and Indore, revealed a vast fortune significantly exceeding his legitimate lifetime earnings, leading to a formal case under anti-corruption laws.
The Scale of Disproportionate Assets
The raids were initiated on Wednesday following a complaint of disproportionate assets against Dharmendra Singh Bhadoria, a former excise officer. Lokayukta Police Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Sunil Talan reported that the movable and immovable assets recovered total an estimated Rs 18.59 crore. This substantial figure includes a diverse portfolio of properties, such as an ancestral home, four residential flats, and a three-storey house currently under construction on a sprawling 4,700-square-foot plot.
The DSP highlighted the stark contrast between the recovered wealth and the officer’s known income. It is estimated that Mr. Bhadoria earned only about Rs 2 crore in total salary and allowances during his 38 years of government service, making his family’s assets “many times greater than the retired officer’s legitimate income,” according to Mr. Talan.
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The Inventory of Seizures
Beyond the real estate holdings, police recovered a striking array of high-value commodities and cash from premises linked to Mr. Bhadoria. The haul included precious metals: 4.22 kilograms of gold and 7.13 kilograms of silver, recovered in the form of both bars and jewellery.
The cash recovery was also significant, totaling Rs 1.13 crore in Indian currency along with 5,000 euros(₹5 lakhs). Furthermore, the raids, conducted across a property in Gwalior and seven other locations in Indore, yielded a large collection of luxury items. This included expensive vehicles, furniture, sarees, watches, and perfumes.
Expanding Scope of the Investigation
The initial raids have led the Lokayukta police to pursue new lines of inquiry, suggesting that Mr. Bhadoria’s financial activities may have been even more widespread. DSP Talan indicated that the police have received information concerning the Bhadoria family’s investments in films.
The investigation is detailed and ongoing, aiming to trace the full extent of the wealth accumulated outside the officer’s official income stream. The discovery of gold bars, significant foreign currency, and investments in media suggest a sophisticated network for concealing illicit funds.
Formal Charges and Legal Action
In response to the evidence gathered, a formal case has been registered against the retired officer. The charges fall under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act 2018. This legislation targets public servants who acquire assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. The DSP confirmed that a detailed investigation is currently underway to build a comprehensive case against Mr. Bhadoria.
