Patna: The Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) on Wednesday raided three premises linked to Satyendra Kumar Choudhary, a superintending engineer with the building construction department posted in Purnia, after an inquiry allegedly found assets worth over Rs 3.86 crore, around 68% higher than his known sources of income.According a press release issued by the VIB, the searches were conducted at two residential properties in Patna and a residence-cum-office in Purnia after a preliminary inquiry found a significant mismatch between Choudhary’s known sources of income and the assets allegedly acquired by him. The action was carried out after obtaining a search warrant from the Special Vigilance Court.VIB officials said the investigation identified seven immovable properties purchased between 2011 and 2025 in the names of Choudhary, his wife Usha Devi and his mother-in-law. These include a plot with a constructed house in Phulwarisharif, four plots in Naubatpur measuring around 74 decimals in total, and another plot measuring about 7.18 decimals in Danapur.The bureau estimated the value of the immovable properties at about Rs 3.60 crore, while movable assets were assessed at around Rs 26 lakh. Investigators alleged that the combined value of the assets was more than 68% higher than Choudhary’s known sources of income.Among the properties under scrutiny was a five-storey house in Phulwarisharif equipped with solar panels, expensive furniture and around 10 air conditioners. Vigilance officials said the property would undergo formal valuation. A three-storey house in A G Colony was also identified for assessment.During the searches, VIB teams recovered around Rs 1 lakh in cash along with gold, silver and diamond ornaments. Officials said the jewellery would be formally valued to ascertain its worth. Documents related to the seven immovable properties cited in the FIR were also recovered.Investigators further seized documents linked to bank deposits, LIC investments and other financial transactions, which are being examined as part of the probe.A case was registered against Choudhary on Sept 14 under Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. The FIR alleges that he amassed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.VIB officials said the searches were still underway when the press note was issued and could continue till late Wednesday night. Further details are expected after valuation of the recovered assets and scrutiny of the seized documents.
