Agra: Retired former chief engineer of the Firozabad municipal corporation, Rakesh Kumar Mittal, has come under vigilance scrutiny after an investigation revealed that his expenses were nearly 200% higher than his declared income. Authorities suspect that the assets may have been acquired through unlawful sources. A joint team from the Agra and Meerut vigilance sectors conducted a search operation at his residence in Shastri Nagar, Meerut.
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Case Registered for Disproportionate Assets
A case against Rakesh Kumar Mittal was registered at the Agra vigilance police station in 2024 on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Investigators allege that he may have accumulated illegal wealth during his service tenure. Records also show that he was posted in several sensitive districts including Firozabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad and Saharanpur, where complaints regarding his work conduct had been filed earlier.
Raids Recover Luxury Items Worth ₹17 Lakh
The vigilance team conducted a detailed search of his Meerut residence on February 26 and 27. During the two-day operation, household and luxury items worth approximately ₹17 lakh were recovered from the premises. However, during questioning, he could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding the financial source used to purchase these items. Officials suspect that the goods may have been bought using unexplained funds.
Jewellery Valued at ₹27.70 Lakh Lacks Proof
The investigation also covered jewellery found in his possession. Ornaments valued at around ₹27.70 lakh were discovered, but the former chief engineer failed to provide bank transaction records or proof of legitimate income sources for their purchase. Authorities said there was no clear documentation showing from which account the money was withdrawn for buying the jewellery.
10 Bank Accounts Under Scrutiny for Large Transactions
The vigilance probe further revealed that about 10 bank accounts were found operating in the name of Rakesh Kumar Mittal. Large-scale transactions were recorded in these accounts over several years. However, most of these transactions lacked documentary evidence establishing lawful income sources. The investigation team is now analysing detailed bank statements to trace the money flow pattern.
Preliminary findings indicate a significant gap between his declared income and overall expenditure and assets. Officials estimate that his total wealth and spending were nearly twice his legitimate earnings. The probe is also examining possible financial connections with contractors and business entities during his service period.
Vigilance authorities stressed that transparency in public service is essential and maintaining clear financial records is mandatory for government officials. If allegations are substantiated, criminal proceedings under anti-corruption and illegal asset accumulation laws may be initiated against Rakesh Kumar Mittal.
The investigation is currently ongoing, with the vigilance team scrutinising bank records, property documents and digital financial data. Authorities have stated that further legal action will be decided after submission of the detailed investigation report.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
