Kishanganj: Fresh revelations have emerged in the disproportionate assets case against Kishanganj SDPO Gautam Kumar, after investigators reportedly uncovered evidence of over Rs 80 crore in alleged benami properties. The latest developments suggest that Paro, a domestic help associated with the police officer, may also possess assets and a lifestyle far beyond her known sources of income.
According to information that surfaced during the investigation by the Economic Offences Unit (EOU), Paro, a resident of Kila Bagan in Dharamganj area of Kishanganj, allegedly owns a house worth nearly Rs 1 crore in the Maldwar area of Uttar Dinajpur district in neighbouring West Bengal. Investigators also found that Gautam Kumar had allegedly gifted her a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, photographs of which were shared by Paro on social media.
Several social media posts linked to Paro have come under scrutiny. In one video circulating online, she is seen holding around Rs 1.5 lakh in cash. In other pictures, she appears alongside the SDPO and some of his associates. One of the clips also shows her recording a video with a Mahindra Thar SUV.
Sources claim that Paro was often transported between her residence and the SDPO’s official quarters in a luxury car reportedly worth over Rs 35 lakh. At times, official or private vehicles linked to the officer were allegedly used to pick her up and drop her home. Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, also claimed that she possessed a gold necklace valued at around Rs 6 lakh.
Following these revelations, Paro is reportedly absconding along with her family members. The disclosures have triggered widespread discussion in Kishanganj and raised further questions about the scale of the alleged financial irregularities linked to the officer.
EOU probe into Rs 80 crore assets
The Economic Offences Unit had earlier registered a case against SDPO Gautam Kumar on March 29 on charges of accumulating assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. During raids conducted on March 31, investigators searched eight locations linked to him in Purnea, Kishanganj, Patna, Araria and Siliguri.
Officials reportedly recovered 36 land documents along with records of investments in insurance policies and properties in Noida and Gurugram. Jewellery worth about Rs 60 lakh, luxury watches, and vehicles including a Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Thar were also seized during the searches.
Investigators also found that Kumar owns a four-storey house built over about 3,600 square feet in Purnea. The property is estimated to be worth around Rs 2.5 crore, with more than Rs 1 crore allegedly spent on its furnishing.
Career and suspension
Gautam Kumar, a native of Saharsa, joined the police service in 1994 as a Sub-Inspector. He served in several districts in the Seemanchal region, including Kishanganj, Purnea, Araria and Katihar, over a career spanning more than three decades.
Following the raids, he has been removed from his post and directed to report to the police headquarters. SDPO-2 Manglesh Kumar Singh has been given additional charge of Kishanganj.
Officials said proceedings under money laundering laws are likely to be initiated, and central agencies including the Enforcement Directorate are expected to examine the alleged benami assets. The EOU has already forwarded details of the recovered movable and immovable properties, along with the disproportionate assets case documents, to the Home Department and the police headquarters.
Police headquarters is expected to issue a show-cause notice to Kumar before initiating departmental action, with suspension considered likely as the investigation progresses.
Investigators say the probe is ongoing and further revelations may emerge as financial records and property links connected to the officer and his associates are examined.
