“The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has frozen around ₹47.96 crore in various accounts, recovered ₹1.83 crore in cash and seized jewellery worth ₹16.70 lakh in connection with government funds embezzlement cases,” a police statement said on Saturday (January 25, 2025).
“The SIT, led by Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Superintendent of Police Rishabh Jha, is investigating the fraudulent withdrawal cases involving around ₹109 crore from accounts linked to State Government undertakings in Energy and Tourism Departments,” an official said.
“So far, seven people have been arrested in connection with the cases,” he added. On January 20, 2025, the SIT raided the residence of one Ram Lakhan Yadav in Doranda and recovered ₹60 lakh in cash.
According to Mr. Jha, the recovery followed the identification of Lolash Lakra, a branch manager at a bank, who had previously been arrested in connection with the case.
“Additionally, ₹76.38 lakh was deposited in various banks based on the identification of Lokeshwar Shah, another individual previously arrested by the SIT,” the statement said.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to probe the full extent of the embezzlement operation.
Published – January 25, 2025 04:21 pm IST