Rs 700 Crore Looted by Saurabh Sharma, the Traffic Constable Who Owns a Rs 150 Crore Dubai Villa

An extraordinary tale of alleged corruption has unraveled in Madhya Pradesh, with a former RTO (Regional Transport Office) constable, Saurabh Sharma, at the center of the controversy. Sharma is accused of amassing disproportionate assets worth between Rs 500-700 crore, including properties in Dubai, fish farms, and a network of businesses. The revelations have ignited political tensions, with allegations and counterclaims flying across party lines.

Discovery That Sparked the Scandal

The scandal surfaced on December 19, 2024, when a vigilant former sarpanch of Mendori village, on the outskirts of Bhopal, noticed suspicious activity involving an SUV bearing an “RTO” plate. Upon closer inspection, the sarpanch found multiple bags inside the vehicle and alerted the authorities. A subsequent search by the police and Income Tax (I-T) Department led to the seizure of 52 kilograms of gold and cash amounting to Rs 10 crore. The vehicle allegedly belonged to Sharma’s aide, further linking the former constable to the loot.

The Scale of Wealth Unveiled

Following the initial raid, a deeper probe by the Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate (ED) exposed Sharma’s sprawling empire. Key findings include:

• A Villa in Dubai: Valued at approximately Rs 150 crore, the villa stands as a symbol of Sharma’s alleged disproportionate wealth.
• Fish Farms and Land Parcels: Multiple fish farms in Madhya Pradesh and vast land holdings are now under scrutiny.
• Bhopal Warehouse and Real Estate Ventures: Reports allege Sharma used his firm, Aviral Building and Construction Pvt Ltd, to acquire properties worth Rs 23 crore, registered in his family’s name.

Web of Businesses and Family Involvement

Investigations reveal Sharma’s intricate network of businesses, many registered under the names of his wife, mother, and associates. These include:

• A construction company, Aviral Building and Construction Pvt Ltd, directed by Sharma’s aides, Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal.
• The upcoming Bhopal unit of Jaipuria School, with Sharma’s wife and mother listed as chairperson and director.

The ED further disclosed fixed deposits worth Rs 6 crore under Gaur’s name and bank balances exceeding Rs 4 crore linked to Sharma’s family and businesses.

Political Fallout and Missing Diary Allegations

The case has become a political flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh, with the opposition Congress accusing the BJP-led government of harboring corrupt officials. Congress leader Jitendra Patwari claimed a critical diary belonging to Sharma, potentially exposing a corruption nexus, has gone missing. In response, the BJP defended its stance, reiterating its commitment to fighting corruption and dismissing the diary claims as speculative.

Enforcement Actions and Pending Charges

Sharma, who took voluntary retirement in December 2023, remains at large, with the Lokayukta and ED pursuing multiple criminal charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). ED raids across Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur have uncovered assets and documents corroborating allegations of illicit wealth accumulated during his tenure.

What Lies Ahead?

As investigations deepen, the focus shifts to tracing Sharma’s remaining assets and potential collaborators. Political parties are expected to leverage the scandal ahead of elections, further intensifying scrutiny of Madhya Pradesh’s governance.

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