Patna: In a major crackdown against corruption under Bihar's 'zero tolerance' policy, the Vigilance Investigation Bureau raided three premises belonging to Awadhesh Kumar Sinha, Superintending Engineer in the Tourism Department. The raids took place on Friday and Saturday in Patna. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on July 16 after preliminary evidence indicated that the engineer had amassed assets approximately 75% (around Rs 1.42 crore) beyond his known sources of income.

The Bureau's team simultaneously searched Sinha's luxurious residence in Ashiana Nagar's Friends Colony, his office, and other locations, uncovering a significant amount of black money. Investigations by the Vigilance Department revealed details of Sinha's movable and immovable properties, including three flats in Patna. A 2 katha 4 dhur land parcel in Ashiana Nagar was purchased for Rs 75.63 lakh, with approximately Rs 97 lakh spent on constructing a lavish house on it. Seized documents also include sale deeds for 12 plots, which are currently under investigation. A Hyundai car was also recovered from Engineer Awadhesh Sinha.

During the raids, the investigating agency discovered several startling documents related to the engineer's financial investments. Sinha had heavily invested in insurance policies to legitimize his illegally acquired wealth. The Vigilance Bureau found details of 19 bank accounts, and their transaction records are being scrutinized. The operation, which continued late into the night, resulted in the seizure of digital and paper evidence of various financial investments.

Large quantities of valuable jewelry and cash were also recovered from the Superintending Engineer's premises. The vigilance team seized Rs 61,000 in cash, gold jewelry worth Rs 5.05 lakh, diamond-studded gold jewelry worth Rs 3.07 lakh, and silver ornaments worth Rs 1.52 lakh. The total estimated value of these ornaments is approximately Rs 10 lakh, and their legitimate sources are being investigated.

In a parallel anti-corruption drive in Bihar, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) achieved a significant breakthrough in a case of illegal mining and money laundering in Banka district. The ED's Patna regional office conducted raids and recovered a substantial Rs 2.92 crore in cash. Besides the cash, several sale deeds, bank account details, checkbooks, loan agreements, investment-related documents, and crucial digital evidence were also seized, as confirmed in an official press release.