Patna: The Vigilance Investigation Bureau on Wednesday conducted searches at three locations linked to Satyendra Kumar Chaudhary, an Executive Engineer with the Building Construction Department posted in Purnia, in a disproportionate assets case.
Separate vigilance teams launched simultaneous searches at two locations in Patna and one in Purnia. Investigators are examining property documents, bank transactions, investments and other financial records.
The agency is also looking into the movable and immovable assets held by the engineer and his family members and comparing them with his known sources of income.
Simultaneous Searches in Patna and Purnia
According to the information available, vigilance teams began searches at the three locations on Wednesday.
During the operation, investigators examined documents related to land and houses, bank transactions and other financial records.
The teams are also verifying the ownership of properties, the expenditure incurred on their purchase or construction and the sources of funds used for these transactions.
Bank accounts and investment-related documents connected with the engineer and his family are also being examined.
House Near AIIMS in Phulwari Sharif Under Probe
One of the properties being searched is reportedly a house in Nikunj Colony near AIIMS in Phulwari Sharif, Patna.
The property is locally known as ‘Swastik’, according to information cited in the report, and is said to be associated with Satyendra Kumar Chaudhary and his wife.
Another property reportedly linked to him is located at Krishi Nagar, C-9, AG Colony, Patna. His two brothers are also said to live there with their families.
Investigators are verifying the ownership details of these properties and examining the source of funds used for their construction or acquisition.
Family Members’ Assets Also Being Examined
The vigilance team is examining properties and financial transactions associated with family members as part of the investigation.
Officials are seeking to establish the ownership of the assets and determine whether the expenditure involved is consistent with the engineer’s declared and legally known sources of income.
Vigilance Compares Income With Assets
In disproportionate assets investigations, agencies examine an official’s legitimate income during the relevant period and compare it with assets acquired during that period.
The assessment can include salary and other lawful income, land and houses, bank deposits, investments and assets held in the names of family members.
In Chaudhary’s case, the vigilance team is conducting searches and examining records to establish the details of his declared income and assets. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
