Patna/Kishanganj: A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) posted in Kishanganj has come under the scanner of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) over allegations of amassing disproportionate assets worth around Rs 80 crore during his 32-year career.
The officer, identified as Gautam Kumar, is accused of acquiring large amounts of benami property and maintaining a lavish lifestyle, including frequent stays at luxury resorts and family trips.
EOU officials conducted raids at eight locations linked to the officer on Tuesday (March 31). The searches were carried out at three premises in Purnea, two in Kishanganj, and one each in Patna, Araria and Siliguri.
During the raids, investigators recovered 36 land-related documents, along with papers connected to investments in insurance policies and properties in Noida and Gurugram. Jewellery worth around Rs 60 lakh, expensive watches and luxury vehicles, including a Hyundai Creta and a Mahindra Thar, were also seized.
Four-storey bungalow under scrutiny
According to officials, Gautam Kumar owns a luxurious four-storey house spread over around 3,600 square feet in Purnea. The property is estimated to be worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore, while more than Rs 1 crore is said to have been spent on interior furnishing and construction.
His wife, who works as a government school teacher, is reportedly seen driving a luxury Mahindra Thar worth around Rs 35 lakh.
Following the raids and preliminary findings, Gautam Kumar has been removed from his current post and directed to report to the police headquarters. SDPO-2 Manglesh Kumar Singh has been given additional charge of Kishanganj in his place.
Money laundering case likely
Officials said a money laundering case is likely to be initiated against the officer. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also expected to investigate the alleged benami properties linked to him.
The EOU has forwarded a detailed list of movable and immovable assets recovered during the raids, along with the disproportionate assets case documents, to the Home Department and the police headquarters.
Police headquarters will first issue a show-cause notice to the officer before initiating a detailed departmental inquiry. Officials indicated that his suspension is considered likely following the investigation.
Background and personal details
Gautam Kumar is originally from Saharsa district and joined the police service in 1994 as a Sub-Inspector. He was first posted in Kishanganj in 1996 and later served in several districts of the Seemanchal region, including Purnea, Araria and Katihar.
During his tenure, he spent nearly a decade posted in Purnea and served in various police stations, including VK Haat and Dagarua. Colleagues describe him as having built a reputation as a tough police officer during the early years of his career.
However, investigators now suspect that during his long tenure in the region, he may have accumulated wealth through illegal means, allegedly linked to activities such as illegal sand mining, lottery operations, smuggling and other organised crime networks.
The EOU registered a case against him on March 29 for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.
Properties and investments under probe
Investigators said several documents related to land purchases were recovered during the raids. Some properties were allegedly purchased in the name of associates and later transferred to family members.
Documents recovered during the searches also indicate investments in real estate projects in Noida and Gurugram, and possible investments in tea gardens in Siliguri.
Officials are also examining documents related to proposed investments, including a plan to open a nursing home in Patna.
Further searches revealed cash amounting to Rs 1.37 lakh from his official residence in Kishanganj, along with investment papers and additional land documents from his ancestral house in Patna.
EOU officials said the investigation is ongoing and further details regarding the alleged assets and financial transactions are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
