Madhya Pradesh Forest Official Raided, Assets Worth ₹7.6 Crore Seized
A forest department official in Madhya Pradesh faces scrutiny after raids uncover assets worth ₹7.6 crore, including gold and properties.
Chhindwara, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in Madhya Pradesh conducted a raid on Saturday at the home and office of Sanjeev Sharma, a sub-divisional officer (SDO) in the forest department. The operation, led by the Lokayukt, revealed assets valued at approximately ₹7.6 crore. Among the findings were two hotels, gold worth ₹3.5 crore, over ₹26 lakh in cash, and documents related to 28 land transactions.
The raids took place in Pachmarhi and Chhindwara, specifically targeting Sharma’s properties following complaints that he possessed wealth far exceeding his known income. Preliminary investigations indicated that his assets were 228% more than his declared income, but this figure could soar to 560% based on the items seized during the raid.
DSP Virendra Singh confirmed the discovery of documents related to land deals and hotel ownership. The properties included the ‘Ecotel Hotel and Resort’ in Matkuli, acquired in 2016-17 for around ₹2 crore, and ‘Serenity the Villa’ in Pachmarhi, bought in 2014 for approximately ₹1 crore.
In total, the operation netted ₹26.36 lakh in cash, 2,527.924 grams of gold valued at about ₹3.5 crore, and 1,656 grams of silver worth nearly ₹2.94 lakh. An initial assessment also included four vehicles valued at ₹31.20 lakh and household items worth around ₹50 lakh.
Further evaluations of the hotels, land, plots, and stores are ongoing, as authorities examine bank accounts, investments, and other financial records, suggesting that the total value of Sharma’s assets may increase.
The Lokayukt began the operation around 7 a.m., with one team searching Sharma’s government residence and office in Pachmarhi, while another team investigated his ancestral home in Chhindwara. From the Chhindwara residence, officials seized ₹3,01,800 in cash, 927.924 grams of gold, and 356 grams of silver. At the government residence in Pachmarhi, they recovered ₹23.35 lakh, 1,600 grams of gold, and 1,300 grams of silver jewelry.
Additionally, two locked cabinets were found at the ancestral home, with the keys in Sharma’s possession. These searches were conducted following a warrant issued by a special court in Narmadapuram, as officials continue to investigate the documents related to properties in Chhindwara and Hoshangabad to ascertain the full extent of Sharma’s wealth.
