Hazaribag District Administration Launches Legal Action in Rs 28 Crore Treasury Scam
The district administration in Hazaribag announced on Monday that it has formally initiated legal proceedings into the alleged Rs 28 crore treasury scam that has rocked the region. Authorities have begun a comprehensive probe targeting Shambhu Kumar, one of three accused police constables, who is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind this significant financial fraud.
Benami Property Purchases in Gaya Uncovered
Investigations have revealed troubling details about property acquisitions linked to the accused. A land parcel measuring 7.84 decimals was purchased in Gaya, Bihar, with the seller identified as Randhir Kumar Singh of Bodh Gaya. The buyers in this transaction were Kajal Kumari, the wife of accused constable Shambhu Kumar, and Soni Devi. Multiple payments worth several lakhs of rupees were traced directly into the seller's bank accounts, raising serious questions about the source of these funds.
Additional Assets and Irregular Construction Discovered
The probe has uncovered further evidence of questionable asset accumulation. An SUV vehicle was purchased on October 22, 2022, from a dealer in Ranchi under another individual's name, with the advance payment made from Shambhu Kumar's State Bank of India account. Additionally, investigators discovered a G+2 structure that was reportedly constructed on Khas Mahal land in the Dipugarha locality of Hazaribag without completing mandatory lease procedures.
Payments of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 7 lakh were made to the leaseholder for this illegal construction. The district administration has now initiated proceedings for land resumption in response to these violations.
Official Statement and FIR Registration
A statement from the district information and public relations department confirmed that prima facie evidence suggests these assets were acquired through irregular financial sources. An FIR has been officially registered in connection with the case, and a detailed investigation is currently underway to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
Besides Shambhu Kumar, two other constables posted in the accounts section of the police department were arrested last week in connection with the scam. All three individuals are facing serious charges related to their alleged involvement in the treasury fraud.
Special Team Deployed to Trace Benami Properties
In a significant development, Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh dispatched a specialized team to Gaya specifically to trace benami properties and assets linked to Shambhu Kumar and his co-accused. The team's efforts have already yielded important evidence.
A senior official speaking on condition of anonymity revealed, "The team seized nine documents regarding purchase of commercial and agriculture land by Shambhu Kumar, who originally hails from Gaya." This discovery suggests a pattern of property acquisition that may be connected to the alleged scam proceeds.
The district administration has emphasized its commitment to pursuing all legal avenues to recover misappropriated funds and hold responsible parties accountable. The investigation continues to expand as authorities follow multiple leads related to asset tracing and financial irregularities.
