Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police on Wednesday conducted searches at two premises linked to Amit Kumar Gupta, an enforcement sub-inspector (SI) posted at the Mohania check post of the transport department in Kaimur, in connection with a disproportionate assets case. Searches continued till late evening at his residence in Ara (Bhojpur) and another property in Patna.According to the EOU, a preliminary inquiry found that Gupta had allegedly amassed assets worth Rs 1.49 crore in excess of his known sources of income. The agency assessed the alleged disproportionate assets at around 148.10% above his known income and subsequently registered a case after obtaining search warrants from the competent court.An FIR was registered against Gupta on Sept 29 under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.The main search was carried out at Gupta’s residence in Awadhpuri near Vedanta Mor under Muffasil police station area in Bhojpur district. Another property linked to him in Patna was also searched.During the Ara search, the EOU recovered Rs 3 lakh in cash and documents relating to an electric car. The agency also found documents linked to the purchase of 11 vehicles in Bhojpur, Patna, Saran and other districts, including some allegedly bought in the names of acquaintances.Investigators also seized documents relating to a G+3 residential building in Awadhpuri and land parcels purchased in Ara.EOU DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon said investigators found a 5.1-decimal plot in Ara on which a house is under construction. In Patna, the team identified a flat in Sai Vardhan City. Documents related to land and property investments were also recovered.“The search team also recovered evidence related to investments in Imperia Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, Noida, and Aerial Business Park Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, including documents concerning investments in plots and land,” Dhillon said.The EOU also recovered passbooks and cheque books linked to 15 bank accounts, besides a locker key, which is yet to be examined.Documents relating to investments exceeding Rs 30 lakh in shares and mutual funds were found during the searches. The agency also seized seven LIC-related documents involving investments of around Rs 10 lakh.Investigators recovered receipts relating to jewellery purchases as well. The EOU said the documents and financial records are being scrutinised to determine the total value of Gupta’s assets and whether they are proportionate to his known sources of income.The agency further claimed that substantial expenditure was incurred on the education of Gupta’s two children. According to officials, his son studies at a residential school in Darjeeling district, while his daughter is preparing for NEET in Kota.Dhillon said Gupta joined the transport department as an enforcement sub-inspector in 2013 and served at Dalkola check post in Purnia before postings in Muzaffarpur, Saran, Araria and Patna.The EOU said Gupta’s service record, property transactions, bank accounts, investments and other financial documents are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. It has also informed the transport department about the allegations and the alleged dereliction of duty by the govt employee.The searches and investigation are continuing. Officials said the final assessment of the assets will be made after detailed scrutiny of the seized documents and financial records.
