By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar Economic Offences Unit (EOU) conducted raids on Saturday at multiple locations linked to Beur Jail Superintendent Vidhu Kumar, uncovering disproportionate assets amounting to 146% of his known income. The raids also targeted individuals associated with him, leading to the recovery of gold and silver jewellery, land deeds, and incriminating documents.
Allegations of Corruption and Misconduct
The EOU initiated its investigation following reports that Superintendent Vidhu Kumar had been exploiting inmates at Patna’s Adarsh Kara Jail. He allegedly harassed ordinary prisoners, extorted money, and provided illegal facilities to influential inmates in exchange for bribes. The investigation revealed that he accumulated vast wealth illegally during his tenure, involving family members, friends, and a close associate, Warder Prafull Kumar.
Raids Uncover Massive Wealth
Raids were conducted at various properties linked to Vidhu Kumar, including:
- His residence in Patna
- His government quarters and office
- His ancestral home in Bishanpur, Danapur
- A rented house in Saguna Mor
- A flat in Aara Garden Residency
Additional raids were carried out at the properties of Neeraj Kumar Singh in Motihari, and his chartered accountant, Kamal Maskara, in Raxaul.
Recovered items include:
- Gold and silver jewellery worth approximately ₹58 lakh
- 13 high-end vehicles
- Numerous land documents
- Bank account statements and financial records
Links to Land Mafias and Politicians
Evidence from diaries seized during the raids points to Kumar’s connections with land mafias and influential politicians. These connections are now under scrutiny, and individuals named in the records have come under the radar of the investigating agency.
Ongoing Investigation
The EOU registered a case against Kumar on 3rd January, followed by the raids on 4th January. Officials have stated that the current assessment of disproportionate assets, pegged at 146% of his known income, is expected to increase as the investigation progresses.
Evidence from Associates
Searches also uncovered passbooks, chequebooks, and debit/credit cards from accounts operated under the names of Vdihu Kumar’s wife and associates, including Warder Prafull Kumar. Additional items seized include flight tickets, tax invoices, challan books, and registers documenting income from March to April 2024.
The EOU emphasised that Kumar’s extortion activities were not confined to his current post but had been ongoing throughout his career. The case has shed light on systemic corruption, prompting calls for strict action against those involved.
Impact of the Findings
The scandal highlights the pressing need for reform in prison administration and stricter oversight to prevent such malpractices. The EOU’s findings have drawn widespread attention, with the public and authorities demanding accountability and justice.
