Patna: The Patna High Court has ordered a criminal investigation into alleged irregularities in the auction of seized vehicles, expressing concern over what it described as indications of an organised racket operating across several districts of Bihar.
A division bench of Justices Rajiv Ranjan Prasad and Saurabh Pandey issued the direction while hearing a writ petition filed by Radheshyam Singh. Singh alleged that his stolen Scorpio (registration JH01CJ-7840) was auctioned using a fraudulent registration number, BR 06 PD 9070, without his knowledge.
The court was told that auction notices were issued to the wrong individual, while the vehicle’s actual owner received no intimation. The petition further alleged manipulation of the bidding process to favour specific buyers, pointing to systemic wrongdoing rather than isolated lapses.
Prima facie irregularities and possible nexus
After examining the records, the bench said the documents disclosed “serious irregularities” at first glance. It added that the possibility of a close nexus between officials and the person in whose name multiple vehicles were auctioned could not be ruled out.
The court also noted that the vehicle in question was later transferred under a new registration number to a woman constable, raising further questions about the chain of custody and due process.
Observing that public exchequer should not bear the cost of official negligence, the judges said any financial burden on the state arising from such lapses should be recovered from the erring officers.
FIR ordered; case to be reviewed
The court directed the Economic Offences Unit to register an FIR and conduct a detailed investigation, and to place a status update before the court at the next hearing. The matter is scheduled to be listed again on November 17.
The order underscores heightened judicial scrutiny of asset auctions and signals potential accountability for officials if the allegations are substantiated.
