Patna: Economic Offences Unit (EOU) on Thursday conducted simultaneous raids at five locations linked to Ankesh Kumar Gond, an excise inspector posted in Siwan district, for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.The searches were carried out in Patna, Munger and Siwan after the EOU’s preliminary investigation found alleged disproportionate assets worth more than Rs 2 crore. An FIR was registered against Ankesh at the EOU police station on July 8 under the Prevention of Corruption Act.EOU DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon said, “Ankesh was appointed as excise sub-inspector in 2005. During investigation, the agency found prima facie evidence that he acquired assets 201.97% more than his known sources of income during his service period.”Raids were conducted at his residence in Danapur, ancestral house and a commercial building in Munger, his office in Siwan and his rented accommodation there.Dhillon said investigators found documents showing the purchase of three plots and a house during his service. A three-storey house built on about two kathas of land at Danapur is estimated to be worth Rs 80 lakh. In Munger, he allegedly purchased a commercial property with a house for around Rs 1 crore without taking a home loan. Renovation expenses are also under scrutiny.The EOU recovered documents related to an SUV and four motorcycles. A hatchback and Rs 60,000 in cash were seized from the Danapur house. Officials also found papers relating to another car registered in his father-in-law’s name and a vehicle purchased in a police auction but allegedly used by Ankesh.The agency detected eight bank accounts linked to Ankesh and his family members with deposits of about Rs 54 lakh, which have been frozen. A bank locker, investment documents, insurance policies, mutual fund records and jewellery purchase invoices were also recovered.The EOU said the valuation of seized properties and documents is continuing and the alleged disproportionate assets could increase further. It has also informed the prohibition, excise and registration department about the case and the alleged misconduct.
