Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal is at the centre of one of the most sensational corruption cases in recent history. The discovery of 52 kilograms of gold and Rs 11 crore in cash from an abandoned car has raised a simple question: Who does it belong to?
Saurabh Sharma, a former constable in the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department, is at the heart of a multi-agency probe involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department (IT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and the Lokayukta police.
Saurabh Sharma’s downfall began with a December 2024 raid, which unearthed assets worth nearly Rs 8 crore, including cash, jewellery, and property documents. Then, a white Toyota Innova, abandoned in the Mendori jungle near Bhopal, was found to contain 52 kg of gold and Rs 11 crore in cash, further complicating the probe.
What started as a corruption investigation into a single officer has now exposed a wider network of corruption involving senior government officials and real estate dealings across Madhya Pradesh. Investigators suspect that the cash and gold discovered in the abandoned car could be linked to a larger syndicate involving politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen.
The involvement of multiple agencies indicates the scale of the case, with reports suggesting that Sharma’s connections extend beyond the transport department into influential business and political circles. The ED and IT department are tracing money trails to determine if the gold and cash were part of illegal commissions, bribery, or money laundering operations.
Political parties have seized upon the scandal, demanding accountability and stricter anti-corruption measures. The opposition has accused the ruling party of fostering a culture of corruption, while the government has vowed to take strict action against all those involved, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning how such massive sums of money and gold could be hoarded without detection. Transparency activists have called for greater scrutiny of government officials’ financial dealings, while legal experts anticipate a prolonged court battle.
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on identifying Sharma’s key associates, the source of the gold, and the ultimate beneficiaries of the illicit wealth.
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