Lokayukta Uncovers Rs 4.69 Crore Disproportionate Assets in Raid on Madhya Pradesh Cooperative Manager

Cash amounting to Rs 2,41,150, along with 145 grams of gold and 1.23 kg silver were discovered during the extensive searches.

On Wednesday, residents of Labaria village in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district witnessed an unusual scene: official vehicles with flashing lights and security personnel arrived in a convoy, signaling a major anti-corruption operation. The target was Govardhanlal Maru (Patel), who serves as manager of the Adivasi Jati Seva Sahakari Samiti. According to investigators, his accumulated wealth far exceeded what his government position could legitimately explain.

The Indore Lokayukta deployed three teams to conduct the raids, which commenced precisely at 5:30 am and continued rigorously for approximately 12 hours until 5:30 pm. The comprehensive operation encompassed searches at Maru's two-storey home, farmhouse, office, warehouse, and various structures on his agricultural properties.

The findings have astonished officials and local residents alike.

During these coordinated raids, authorities seized Rs 2,41,150 in cash, gold weighing 145 grams valued at Rs 15.52 lakh, and silver measuring 1.23 kg worth Rs 96,219. Additional recovered items included furniture, electronic devices, air conditioners, and mobile phones collectively valued at nearly Rs 16.98 lakh.

However, the most significant discovery came from examining documents, which revealed movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 4.69 crore—nearly quadruple Maru's total legitimate earnings throughout his career.

According to the Lokayukta, the evidence presents a clear-cut case of disproportionate assets.

Maru's professional journey paints a stark contrast to his current wealth. He began working in 1984 as a modest salesman earning merely Rs 300 monthly. Over his 30-year career, his accumulated salary amounted to approximately Rs 80 lakh. When combined with his estimated agricultural and ancestral income of about Rs 40 lakh, his total legitimate earnings reached roughly Rs 1.2 crore. Yet investigators have already uncovered assets valued between Rs 4.5 crore and Rs 4.69 crore—with investigations still ongoing.

Reports indicate that Maru owns over 30 bighas of land, a well-developed farmhouse, and multiple properties that investigators believe could not have been acquired through his legitimate income sources.

News of the raids quickly spread throughout Labaria and neighboring tehsils. Curious villagers gathered in small groups, discussing the convoy of 18 vehicles, boxes of confiscated valuables, and stacks of documents being removed from the premises.

Lokayukta DSP Sunil Talan, who directed the operation, stated: "Superintendent of Police Rajesh Sahay received a complaint that the manager had accumulated disproportionate wealth. Our verification confirmed these allegations. Three teams simultaneously searched his residence, farmhouse, warehouse, and office. His monthly salary in 1984 was Rs 300, and over 30 years his total legitimate income should have been approximately Rs 1.20 crore. However, we discovered movable and immovable assets worth Rs 4 crore 69 lakh. An FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act."

Officials have confirmed that they are preparing a detailed panchnama and that the investigation will continue until all documents have been thoroughly examined.