Bhopal: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to conduct a physical verification of properties seized from former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma and his associates, Sharad Jaiswal and Chetan Singh Gaur. These assets, frozen during the ongoing investigation, are under scrutiny for potential financial irregularities.
Tracking the Origins of Seized Cash and Gold
During the remand period, ED officials will probe the source of ?11 crore in cash and 52 kg of gold recovered from an Innova in Mendori. The confiscated gold, bearing hallmarks from Australia, Switzerland, and Dubai, has raised suspicions of an international smuggling nexus. Initially seized by the Income Tax Department, the gold’s procurement and distribution are now key focal points of the investigation.
Raids uncover massive investments
The ED raided multiple locations linked to Sharma on December 27, 2024, and January 17, 2025, uncovering investments worth ?25 crore in properties under his name and that of his associates. Movable assets worth ?10 crore have also been seized. Officials are compiling detailed records to track Sharma’s financial transactions and potential money laundering activities.
Legal Battle Over Custodial Interrogation
Sharma’s lawyer, Rakesh Parashar, opposed the ED’s request for an extended remand, asserting that his client had been fully cooperative. However, the ED argued that further questioning was necessary to unravel key financial trails and possible links to global smuggling networks.
As the investigation deepens, the ED is determined to uncover the full extent of Sharma’s financial dealings and the legitimacy of his assets.
