The Economic Offences Unit has conducted a major operation against DSP Gautam Kumar and DRDA Director Vaibhav Kumar in Bihar. During the investigation, Gautam Kumar was found in possession of assets worth nearly 80 crore rupees, which is significantly higher than his legal earnings. The officer has been removed from his current posting as Kishanganj SDPO and directed to report to the police headquarters immediately.
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What items and properties were recovered during the EOU raids?
The investigation team discovered a vast network of wealth spread across multiple states. Gautam Kumar allegedly possessed assets that were 60.27 percent higher than his declared income. Documents related to over 25 land parcels were found during the searches at different locations.
| Asset Type | Details and Location |
|---|---|
| Luxury House | Four-story building in Purnia worth 2.5 crore rupees |
| Land Parcels | More than 25 plots including 7 in the name of a female friend |
| Jewelry | Gold worth 60 lakh rupees and investment papers |
| Vehicles | Hyundai Creta and Mahindra Thar seized |
| Other Properties | Flats in Noida, Gurugram and a tea garden in Siliguri |
| Cash | 1.37 lakh rupees found at the official residence |
What legal action has been taken against the accused officers?
The Economic Offences Unit registered FIRs on March 29, 2026, under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Following the search warrants from the special vigilance court in Patna, raids were conducted in Patna, Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, and Siliguri. Evidence of investments in insurance and financial institutions was also gathered by the officials.
Gautam Kumar entered the police service as a Sub-Inspector in 1994 and spent a significant part of his career in the Seemanchal region. The EOU claims he had alleged links with coal, liquor, and lottery mafias. Authorities are now preparing for a money laundering investigation, and the Enforcement Directorate is expected to investigate the benami properties involved in this case.
How is the department managing the administrative changes?
Following the removal of Gautam Kumar, the department has handed over the additional charge of Kishanganj SDPO to Manglesh Kumar Singh. Another officer, Vaibhav Kumar, who serves as the Director of DRDA in Saharsa, is also under the scanner for possessing assets worth 2.41 crore rupees. Both officers face serious charges regarding illegal wealth accumulation during their service period.
