EOU raids properties linked to Bahadurpur BDO over Rs 1.71 crore disproportionate assets

Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) on Tuesday morning conducted simultaneous raids at four locations linked to Bahadurpur Block Development Officer (BDO), Anand Kumar Vibhuti, in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

An eight-member EOU team, led by a DSP rank officer, reached Vibhuti’s rented accommodation in Janakpuri, Bahadurpur, at around 8 a.m.

Simultaneously, searches were conducted at the Bahadurpur Block office and two other locations in East Champaran and Muzaffarpur.

The raids followed the registration of Case No. 21/26 at the EOU police station on September 7.

According to the investigation, Vibhuti allegedly accumulated assets worth around Rs 1.71 crore, representing 121.87 per cent more than his known sources of income.

According to an official, Vibhuti had stepped out to purchase household supplies when the EOU team arrived at his residence.

After learning about the raid, he reportedly did not return to the house.

His wife, Ritu Anand Sahani, was present at the residence and was questioned by the EOU team.

Vibhuti lives in room No. 101 on the ground floor of a five-storey building in Janakpuri.

His vehicle was parked inside the residential premises. Bahadurpur police personnel were deployed outside the building, while the entry of outsiders was restricted during the search.

The EOU team examined documents and papers kept at the residence and also gathered information about jewellery and other assets.

Another team searched records at the Bahadurpur Block office.

EOU officials have so far not disclosed details of the specific evidence recovered during the raids.

The EOU conducted searches at Lalbagiya under Chiraiya police station in East Champaran, Flat No. 2 at Sai Apartment in Danapur, Patna, and Vibhuti’s private residence at Saraswati Nagar Road No. 1 under Ahiyapur police station in Muzaffarpur.

The Muzaffarpur connection has attracted particular attention as Vibhuti’s wife, Ritu Anand Sahani, has reportedly served as the BJP district secretary for East Muzaffarpur.

The couple is also reported to own a residence in the Dadarpul area of Muzaffarpur city.

Vibhuti took charge as the Bahadurpur BDO around two months ago after being transferred from Kanti block in Muzaffarpur district.

An official said that complaints alleging corruption had previously been lodged against him with the Vigilance Department.

The latest EOU action is part of the investigation into allegations that he accumulated assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The rented accommodation where Vibhuti resides in Bahadurpur is owned by Dr Amit Kumar, who works at private hospitals in Darbhanga.

The EOU is continuing its searches and examination of documents and assets at the four locations.

Further details regarding the evidence recovered and the next course of action are awaited.

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