Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has carried out coordinated raids at four locations linked to Gopal Kumar, an Executive Engineer with the Rural Works Department posted in Jamui, in a disproportionate assets case registered on May 15.
According to officials, the action was taken on directives from Bihar Police Headquarters following preliminary findings that the officer’s assets exceeded his known sources of income by around 81.5%.
Raids Across Patna and Jamui
Search operations were conducted on May 16 after obtaining warrants from the Special Vigilance Court in Patna. Locations searched included his residence in Magistrate Colony, Patna; a flat at Jagat Villa Apartments in Jyotipuram; his rented accommodation in Jamui; his office in Jhajha; and his in-laws’ residence in Raja Bazar, Patna.
Officials said the coordinated searches were aimed at tracing movable and immovable assets linked to the accused.
Income vs Assets Discrepancy
Investigators have estimated Gopal Kumar’s legitimate income at around Rs 2.06 crore. Preliminary scrutiny, however, suggests assets significantly higher than declared earnings, prompting the registration of a disproportionate assets case.
The accused joined Bihar government service in October 2008 and was promoted to Executive Engineer in 2022. He has served in several districts, including Patna, Madhepura, Motihari, Bhojpur, Buxar and Chapra.
Cash, Gold and Property Seized
During the raids, cash worth Rs 39.65 lakh was recovered from the Jagat Villa Apartments in Patna. Officials also seized jewellery purchase documents worth around Rs 47 lakh.
Gold jewellery weighing 424.08 grams, estimated at Rs 60.47 lakh, and nearly one kilogram of silver ornaments were also recovered, according to officials.
Investigators also found documents linked to two commercial shops valued at about Rs 70 lakh in JB Mall near Saguna Mor, along with papers related to a 1.25-katha plot and a G+3 structure near Danapur Market Committee.
Documents showing payment of Rs 80 lakh for a 4 BHK flat at Lakshmi Cottage in Danapur were also seized.
Assets Under Scrutiny
In Jamui, officials recovered Rs 8,03,900 in cash from a rented residence. A Hyundai Creta vehicle found there, registered in another person’s name, is under verification.
Investigators also traced three bank accounts holding deposits of around Rs 10 lakh and seven LIC policy documents with annual premiums totalling about Rs 3.50 lakh.
A Hyundai i10 car, a scooter, and several departmental files related to the Rural Works Department were also seized during the operation.
Investigation Continues
The EOU has said the scope of the investigation may expand further based on ongoing scrutiny of financial records and property documents. Officials added that departmental proceedings against the engineer are also being initiated.
