THEMadhya Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) on Thursday conducted simultaneous searches at three premises linked to Public Works Department (PWD) executive engineer-in-charge Kamal Kishore Singare in connection with a disproportionate assets case. The searches were carried out at his official residence in Balaghat and residences in Chhindwara and Bhopal. Three EOW teams began the operation around 6 am after obtaining permission from the court. Officials said that the searches were continuing and that documents, bank accounts, jewellery, cash and other assets were being examined to determine the total value of the properties allegedly disproportionate to Singare’s known sources of income. Assets estimated at Rs 11 crore: According to the EOW, assets worth around Rs 11 crore have so far been identified during the searches. These allegedly include land and a house in Chhindwara valued at around Rs 3 crore, a shopping complex worth Rs 1.5 crore and land and a house in Bhopal valued at around Rs 2 crore. At a farmhouse in Chhindwara, officials reportedly found land and construction estimated at Rs 2 crore, besides a Mahindra tractor, trolley and agricultural equipment. Cash, jewellery and vehicles found: The agency said that searches have so far led to the recovery of around Rs 7.5 lakh in cash and 350 grams of gold jewellery valued at approximately Rs 52 lakh. Silver ornaments worth around Rs 1.2 lakh were also found.

 

Officials also found a Mahindra XUV700 valued at about Rs 22 lakh, a new Mahindra Scorpio worth around Rs 27 lakh and three motorcycles valued at nearly Rs 4 lakh. Empty envelopes were also found during the searches. Complaint alleged contractor harassment: The action followed a complaint filed with the EOW’s Jabalpur unit on July 13 by Yunus Khan, General Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Contractors Association. The complaint alleged that contractors were being harassed and commissions were being demanded for construction work and clearance of bills. One allegation claimed that a Rs 10 lakh commission was demanded from a contractor against payment of around Rs 30 lakh. The allegations have not been established and are being examined by the EOW. Case registered under corruption law:The EOW said verification of the complaint found the allegations prima facie true, following which its Jabalpur unit registered a case against Singare under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Singare has been posted as executive engineer-in-charge in Balaghat for around 14 months. EOW DSP Manjeet Singh said that the investigation and examination of documents were continuing and that additional properties or assets could come to light as the searches progress.