Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Saurabh Sharma, accused of amassing disproportionate wealth during his tenure at the RTO department, is now planning to set up a drone production business. Sharma, who was arrested on January 28 along with his associates Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal, has reportedly found a business partner and technocrat, Lokesh Sadashivan, to assist in launching the drone venture.
According to Lokayukta officials, Sharma aims to set up a drone manufacturing factory and expand the business to national-level. The Lokayukta police have issued a notice to Lokesh Sadashivan to record his statement as part of the ongoing investigation.
In connection with the investigation, the police have informed district registrars in Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore to halt sale of properties seized during raid. Authorities have decided to hold the sale of these properties until Saurabh Sharma and Chetan Singh Gaur provide valid investment documentation for the property.
During the raid, more than 45 property documents were recovered in the names of Saurabh, Chetan and their family members. The total value of the property linked to Sharma and his relatives is estimated at ?100 crore, while the property under Chetan Singh’s name is valued at approximately ?50 crore.
Lokayukta to confiscate illegally acquired properties
The Lokayukta is set to confiscate properties owned by Saurabh Sharma, Chetan Singh Gaur, and their family members that were acquired through illegitimate means. If the accused fail to provide valid documentation proving the legal source of their income for the properties, they will be seized, and the assets will be deposited into the state treasury.Earlier, during a raid on December 19, 2024, Lokayukta officials had already seized valuables and cash worth ?7.89 crore from the premises of Saurabh and Chetan.
Strict action against kin for ignoring notices
The Lokayukta police have recorded the statements of family members, friends and business associates of Saurabh Sharma, Chetan Singh Gaur, and Sharad Jaiswal after they were served notices in connection with the ongoing investigation. However, several individuals have failed to respond to notices.The Lokayukta has warned of strict action against those who continue to disregard the legal proceedings.
Judicial remand of Saurabh, Chetan and Sharad extended to Mar 17
The special court of Lokayukta has extended the judicial remand of Saurabh Sharma, Chetan Singh Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal till March 17, officials said here on Monday. The three were arrested on January 28 by Lokayukta police and after interrogation they were sent to judicial remand on February 4.
Later the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also took them on remand. The officials of ED and Income Tax (I-T) department had also done interrogation of the three in jail premises. The three were on judicial remand till March 3. The three joined the Court room through video conferencing. Police officials of Lokayukta filed the application in the Court seeking extension of JR. The Court heard them and decided the next hearing date and also the JR extension date till March 17.
