Lokayukta raid uncovers assets worth Rs 7.6 crore of forest officer Sanjeev Sharma

On Saturday, Lokayukta teams seized property and cash valued at roughly Rs 7.6 crore from the premises of Sanjeev Sharma, Sub‑Divisional Officer attached to the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Pachmarhi and Chhindwara.

Pre‑raid checks had shown Sharma’s holdings to be 228 per cent above his declared income. After the searches, Lokayukta DSP Virendra Singh said the disparity could rise to 560 per cent.

Two squads began the operation at 7 a.m. One, led by Lokayukta SP Sunil Patidar, combed through Sharma’s official residence and office in Pachmarhi. The other team inspected his ancestral house in Professor Colony, Chhindwara. Both searches were authorised by a special court warrant from Narmadapuram.

Investigators recovered 28 documents and agreements linked to land deals, including papers for two hotels and resorts. The Ecotel Hotel and Resort in Matkuli, bought in 2016‑17, is estimated at Rs 2 crore, while Serenity The Villa in Pachmarhi, acquired in 2014, is valued at about Rs 1 crore.

Cash recovered totals Rs 26.36 lakh – Rs 23.35 lakh from the government accommodation in Pachmarhi and Rs 3,01,800 from the Chhindwara residence. Gold seized amounts to 2,527.924 grams, worth roughly Rs 3.5 crore, split between 1,600 grams in Pachmarhi and 927.924 grams in Chhindwara. Silver jewellery weighing 1,656 grams, valued at Rs 2.94 lakh, was also taken.

Additional assets include four vehicles assessed at Rs 31.20 lakh and household items estimated at Rs 50 lakh. Two locked cupboards were found at the ancestral house, with the keys reportedly held by Sharma.

Authorities are still evaluating the value of plots, shops and other properties, while bank accounts and investments remain under review. The final asset tally may rise as the audit continues.

Image: daijiworld.com

📰 Source: Daijiworld