Lavish Wealth Uncovered In Bhopal
In a dramatic anti-corruption operation that stunned Bhopal, the Lokayukta unearthed an extraordinary fortune belonging to retired Public Works Department (PWD) Chief Engineer G.P. Mehra. What began as an inquiry into disproportionate assets soon evolved into one of Madhya Pradesh’s most jaw-dropping corruption revelations in recent memory. The raid, spanning multiple properties across Bhopal and Narmadapuram, exposed not only vast quantities of gold and cash but also a surreal assortment of luxury items, agricultural ventures, and even spiritual spaces.
Multi-Location Raids Lead To Shocking Discoveries
The Lokayukta team, comprising four officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank, carried out simultaneous early morning raids on Thursday. Each site revealed new layers of Mehra’s empire, painting a picture of opulence that far exceeded his known income. “The scale of the assets was beyond imagination,” said one official who participated in the operation.
At Mehra’s upscale residence in Manipuram Colony, officers discovered Rs 8.79 lakh in cash, jewellery worth nearly Rs 50 lakh, and fixed deposits amounting to Rs 56 lakh. Yet this was only the beginning.
Gold, Silver And Cash Pile Up
The most striking revelations came from Mehra’s luxury apartment at Opal Regency near Dana Pani, where investigators unearthed Rs 26 lakh in cash, 2.6 kilograms of gold valued at Rs 3.05 crore, and 5.5 kilograms of silver. The findings hinted at a meticulously concealed wealth network spanning both personal and commercial fronts.
Farmhouse Full Of Surprises
However, it was the Saini farmhouse in Sohagpur Tehsil that turned the operation into something truly extraordinary. Spread over several acres, the property featured 32 cottages under construction, seven completed cottages, a private pond for fish farming, and an operational cowshed. Investigators also found a temple built within the premises, multiple luxury vehicles, and 17 tonnes of honey neatly stacked in containers.
The fleet of vehicles included a Ford Endeavour, Skoda Slavia, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Ciaz—all registered under the names of Mehra and his family members. Officials believe the honey production and other agricultural activities were likely used to project legitimate sources of income or launder funds.
Industrial Front Under Scrutiny
The investigation extended to KT Industries in Govindpura Industrial Area, reportedly Mehra’s business front. Lokayukta teams seized Rs 1.25 lakh in cash, along with machinery, raw materials, and documents suggesting that Mehra’s relatives were involved as partners. The operation also unearthed several files related to investments, insurance policies, and real estate holdings that are now under forensic review.
Valuation Expected To Reach Crores
By the end of the day, the inventory of seized items resembled a royal treasury—Rs 36.04 lakh in cash, 2.649 kilograms of gold, 5.523 kilograms of silver, multiple bank deposits, and luxury cars. Officials stated that the cumulative value of assets could run into several crores once the evaluation is complete.
A senior Lokayukta officer remarked, “The diversity and magnitude of assets discovered are unprecedented. This operation serves as a strong reminder of the urgent need for vigilance against corruption at all levels of governance.”
Investigation Into Benami Holdings
Forensic teams have begun examining seized documents, digital drives, and bank records to trace Mehra’s financial transactions and potential benami investments. Sources indicate that the investigation may soon widen to include associates and relatives who might have acted as fronts in concealing wealth.
Authorities are now coordinating with the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate to evaluate the legitimacy of Mehra’s income sources. Initial findings suggest several shell entities and property deals that do not correspond to his declared earnings during his tenure as a public servant.
Public Outrage And Political Reactions
The discovery has triggered widespread public outrage, with citizens and activists demanding stricter anti-corruption measures and transparency in government recruitment and promotions. Political commentators have called the incident a reflection of deep-rooted systemic corruption that continues to plague public offices across states.
As the probe progresses, officials believe this case could become a turning point in Madhya Pradesh’s anti-corruption drive, setting an example for similar investigations nationwide.
