Operation ‘Audi’: PWD Engineer Lived Like a Billionaire — Brought Down by ACB

The420.in
3 Min Read

Jaipur, India — In a sensational anti-corruption operation that sent shockwaves through Rajasthan’s bureaucracy, the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has uncovered massive unaccounted wealth owned by Hariprasad Meena, an Executive Engineer (XEN) with the Public Works Department (PWD). Branded “Operation Audi” — in reference to two luxury Audi vehicles seized during raids — the investigation has revealed real estate holdings, luxury cars, foreign trips, high-end hotel stays, and 19 bank accounts, all linked to the accused.

Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Questionable Means

Initial probes suggest Meena amassed property worth nearly ₹4 crore — over 200% more than his known income. The ACB discovered an extravagant portfolio: two Audi cars, a Scorpion, a Ford Endeavour, and a Royal Enfield bike, collectively worth nearly ₹2 crore. Hotel bills and international travel expenses amounted to ₹45 lakh alone.

In Jaipur’s posh Jagatpura area, Meena owns three premium flats in societies like Unique Emporia and Unique New Town, valued at over ₹1.5 crore. Additionally, a lavish farmhouse in Dausa district’s Lalsot region has also been traced to his name.

Raids Across Jaipur, Dudu, and Lalsot

Five simultaneous raids were conducted across Jaipur, Dudu, and Lalsot on suspicious properties belonging to Meena. ACB officers reportedly seized documents, bank transaction records, and other evidence indicating large-scale financial discrepancies. Investigators have confirmed the presence of 19 bank accounts held by Meena and his family, many of which show transactions amounting to crores.

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A senior ACB official involved in the operation stated that “preliminary evidence points to systematic misuse of public funds, where taxpayer money was funneled into luxurious personal indulgences.”

Wider Implications for Corruption in Government

The revelations have sparked debate across Rajasthan, once again raising alarms about rampant corruption in government departments. The case underscores the importance of digitizing property records and enhancing transparency in bureaucratic dealings.

Bhupendra Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police, ACB, who is leading the investigation, noted that the case could expose more officials involved in similar acts. “The probe is ongoing, and further disclosures are likely,” he said.

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