Authorities made a sensational discovery in Bhopal when gold and cash found in Bhopal’s jungle revealed a shocking nexus involving politicians, government officials, and real estate players. Over 52 kilograms of gold biscuits worth ₹40 crore and ₹10 crore in cash were seized from an abandoned Innova car in the Mendori forest on the city’s outskirts.
Acting on a tip-off that gold was being smuggled through forest routes, a huge team of 100 policemen and 30 vehicles was deployed to intercept the vehicle. When located, the car appeared deserted. Inside, two bags were found, brimming with gold and bundles of cash. The raid has raised serious questions about the assets’ origin.
The gold and cash seized from Bhopal’s jungle seem to be associated with two men: former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and Gwalior resident Chetan Gaur. The two were interrogated regarding their connections in a wider network of builders and influential people; meanwhile, no one appears to come forth to lay claim to the assets and investigations continue.
How much gold and cash is found in Bhopal’s jungle?
Relatedly, Lokayukta Police raided the house of Saurabh Sharma in Bhopal’s upscale Arera Colony. Officials seized over ₹1 crore in cash, half a kilogram of gold and diamonds, silver bars, and critical property documents. The raid is part of a bigger operation against influential builders who have close connections with political and bureaucratic elites.
In another raid, the Income Tax department detected Rajesh Sharma, a leading figure in the real estate sector. Cash amounting to ₹3 crore, gold jewelry, property papers, and 10 bank lockers linked to Sharma were seized. According to sources, it is the connections of Sharma with influential people that helped him in getting lucrative contracts.
The gold and cash discovered in Bhopal’s jungle underscore the depth of corruption and bring into question the political and business alliances’ influence in such illegal activities.
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