Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
“Multi-agency probe into the abandoned treasure unravels a network of corruption and unanswered questions.”
February 5, 2025: Madhya Pradesh is at the center of a riveting corruption mystery after the discovery of Rs 11 crore in cash and 52 kilograms of gold from an abandoned car near Bhopal. Saurabh Sharma, a former constable in the state’s Transport Department, is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department (IT), and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The Beginning of the Probe
The story began in December 2024, with a raid at Sharma’s residence revealing assets worth nearly Rs 8 crore, including cash, property documents, and jewellery. Shortly after, a white Toyota Innova abandoned in the Mendori jungle was found to hold the gold and cash.
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While the investigation initially focused on Sharma, it soon unearthed a sprawling network of corruption involving senior government officials and suspicious real estate deals across Madhya Pradesh.
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Discrepancies in Reporting
The probe was further complicated by inconsistencies in Lokayukta reports. Initial claims suggested Rs 7.98 crore in cash was recovered, but a later statement pegged the figure at just Rs 55 lakh, raising questions of negligence or deliberate misrepresentation in the investigation.
The ED has since taken over significant portions of the case, citing potential violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Mystery of the Abandoned Treasure
Despite intensive investigation, no one has claimed ownership of the cash or gold. The vehicle is registered to Chetan Singh Gaur, an associate of Sharma, but Gaur denied any involvement, stating that he lent the car to an unidentified driver.
CCTV footage shows the car near Sharma’s residence during the raids. However, the Lokayukta failed to intercept it, sparking speculation of an insider tip-off allowing suspects to relocate evidence.
Expanding Investigation
The case has grown beyond state borders, with authorities exploring potential links to international gold smuggling networks and transactions reportedly tied to Dubai, Switzerland, and Australia. Financial transactions worth Rs 100 crore have also implicated transport officials across 52 districts.
Political Fallout
Former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh has demanded a judicial probe led by the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Chief Justice, criticizing the current handling of the case in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav defended his administration’s anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing their commitment to transparency.
Unanswered Questions
While Sharma and his associates remain in judicial custody, critical questions linger: Who owns the cash and gold? How deep does the corruption run? And will the mystery ever be fully resolved?
Tags:
Madhya Pradesh corruption, gold and cash mystery, Saurabh Sharma, Enforcement Directorate probe, Lokayukta investigation, real estate scandal, gold smuggling, high-profile corruption, Madhya Pradesh Transport Department
