Former Kishanganj SDPO Undergoes Intensive Interrogation in Patna Over Disproportionate Assets
In a significant development in a high-profile corruption case, former Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Kishanganj, Gautam Kumar, presented himself at the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) office in Patna on Monday. He was subjected to a rigorous questioning session that lasted nearly five hours, conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (Economic Offences) Rajesh Kumar.
Interrogation Focuses on Connections and Communications
Additional Director General of the EOU, Nayyar Hasnain Khan, disclosed that during the interrogation, Gautam Kumar was extensively probed about his associations with individuals whose names have surfaced in the ongoing investigation into the disproportionate assets case linked to him. "He was asked about his relationships with those people and the nature of their communications," Khan stated. He added that while the former officer responded to some queries, he avoided others, prompting the need for more detailed follow-up. "Once we have better and more detailed information in hand, the next round of questioning will be more meaningful," Khan emphasized.
Fresh Notice Issued Amid Ongoing Asset Verification
Khan further explained that senior officers could not be present for Monday's session because the investigating officer, ASP Indra Prakash, and his team are currently engaged in asset verification and investigative activities in Kishanganj and Purnia districts. Consequently, Gautam Kumar has been served with a fresh notice to reappear for further interrogation on Friday, April 10.
Scale of Assets Could Surpass Rs 90 Crore, Including Benami Properties
Regarding the magnitude of the case, ADG Khan revealed a startling potential escalation. While the First Information Report (FIR) initially mentions assets valued at approximately Rs 1.9 crore, the actual disproportionate assets might be substantially higher. "If we are able to trace all the assets, it will be not less than Rs 80-90 crore. It could be even more than that, including 'benami' properties," he asserted, highlighting the complexity and scale of the alleged financial irregularities.
Investigation Targets Fund Sources and Multiple Plots
EOU officials confirmed that investigations are actively progressing into 26 plots, with documents seized during recent raids being scrutinized. The core objective of the probe is to trace the origins of the funds, which are suspected to be derived from illicit sources such as smugglers, local mafias, and quid pro quo arrangements with wrongdoers.
Case Background and Raids
The case gained public attention after the EOU registered an FIR against Gautam Kumar on March 29, accusing him of amassing disproportionate assets. On March 31, the EOU executed simultaneous raids at six locations across Patna, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Siliguri. During these operations, the team confiscated incriminating documents related to multiple plots and properties, along with other crucial evidence, all of which are now under detailed examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
