• Source:JND

The Lokayukta police in Indore raided the premises of Laxmi Narayan Kandwal, Joint Director of the Women and Child Development Department, on Wednesday morning. The Lokayukta's preliminary investigation found evidence of his assets disproportionate to his income. Action has been taken, and the raids are ongoing at his locations.

After a preliminary verification revealed disproportionate assets, a case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following this revelation, a raid was launched on Wednesday. Kandwal’s five-story house in Scheme No. 103 was raided. He also owns a supermarket and a gym. Action is being initiated at all locations.

How Was The Official Caught

The investigation was conducted based on confidential information received by Lokayukta Police Superintendent Rajesh Sahay. The Lokayukta formed three separate teams and launched simultaneous searches at the accused officer's home, gym, and departmental store, among other locations. Documents, property, and investment records are being scrutinised during the operation. According to preliminary investigations, Joint Director Lakshmi Narayan Kandwal has an income of Rs 2.5 crore and owns assets worth Rs 9.5 crore.

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According to the Lokayukta investigation, his service period is approximately 30 years (posted since 1996). During this period, his total salary income is approximately Rs 2.5 crore (approximately USD 25 million). His verified assets are valued at approximately Rs 9.5 crore (approximately USD 95 million).

In Scheme No. 103, he owns a 252-square-metre commercial plot, housing a multi-story building of approximately 13,500 square feet, including a commercial complex and luxury residences. In Scheme No. 140, he owns two plots of approximately 1,000 square feet each. He also owns 11 valuable plots in rural areas, including Tarpura, Bekalay, and Banedia, adjacent to the Pithampur Industrial Area. The Lokayukta investigation is ongoing. Based on documents and assets, the disproportionate assets figure is expected to rise further.

Properties Of The Official

(1) 0.097 hectare agricultural land in village Sonvay, district Indore, Rs 6,64,170.

(2) Survey No 33 of PH No. 61 situated in village Tarpura, Tehsil and District Dhar, area 2.560 hectare agricultural land worth Rs 9,36,655.

(3) Rs 2,66,57,450 for purchase of plot No 149-C, Anand Vihar, Scheme No 103 Indore and construction of G+3 building measuring approximately 13,560 sq. ft. on the plot.

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(4) Plot No 220 AM (54 sq.m.) situated at Scheme No 140 of Indore Development Authority for Rs 21,90,806.

(5) Rs 15,34,572 on purchase of plot no 378 AM of Sector A Type M, Scheme no 140 of Indore Development Authority.

(6) Purchase of 0.879 hectare agricultural land in Village Banedia, District Dhar for Rs 12,26,118.

(7) Purchase of 1.176 hectare agricultural land in Village Banedia, District Dhar for Rs 22,71,327.

(8) Village Banedia, District Dhar, on purchase of 2.100 hectares of agricultural land for Rs 40,55,940.

(9) Rs 1,53,15,350 on purchase of 2.195 acres of agricultural land in village Tarapura, Tehsil Sagaur, District Dhar.

(10) Purchase of 0.345 hectare and 0.606 hectare agricultural land in village Tarapura, Tehsil Pithampur, District Dhar for Rs 67,27,239.

(11) Purchase of 1.740 hectare agricultural land in Village Bekalya, Tehsil Pithampur, District Dhar for Rs 11,94,185.

(12) Purchase of 2.435 hectares of agricultural land in village Bekalya, Tehsil Pithampur, District Dhar for Rs 2,28,97,007.

(13) Purchase of 1.740 hectare agricultural land in Village Bekalya, Tehsil Pithampur, District Dhar for Rs 11,94,185.

(14) Rs 25,00,000 on purchase of 1.212 hectare agricultural land in village Tarapura, Tehsil Pithampur, District Dhar.

Thus, approximately Rs 9,76,15,004 has been spent by the accused on purchasing immovable property.

During the search operation, the accused was found to have a bank locker in Bank of India, branch Santha Bazaar Sarafa, Indore. Investigations so far have revealed that the accused has a total income of Rs. 2,80,00,000 against which a total expenditure of Rs. 9,76,15,004 has been made, which is 241 per cent disproportionate to the total income earned.

A case has been registered against the accused under sections 13 (1) B, 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Amendment Act 2018 and investigation is underway.


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