Lokayukta searches house and hostel in disproportionate assets probe
Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta teams on Friday conducted coordinated searches at the residence of an Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Assistant Revenue Officer and at a hostel alleged to be in his wife’s name, as part of an ongoing investigation into disproportionate assets.
The searches targeted Jitendra Kumar Pandey, who has been in IMC service for around 31 years and is posted as an Assistant Revenue Officer, the Lokayukta said. Teams carried out the operations at his house in Anand Nagar Extension, Nawalakha–Chitawad, and at a hostel in Gadadhar Nagar, Chitawad.
Items and properties seized; probe at preliminary stage
Lokayukta DSP Anand Chauhan said the search was in progress and that some cash and jewellery had been found. He indicated the matter was under active investigation and that exact details would be ascertained as the operation continued.
"We received information through sources that Jitendra Kumar Pandey . . . has acquired assets disproportionate to his legitimate income. Based on this information, the search operation has been conducted," DSP Chauhan said.
The agency said preliminary findings suggest assets amounting to approximately 216 per cent more than Pandey's declared income. Officials reported built assets, vehicles and cash among items recovered so far.
- G+3 residence in Anand Nagar Extension on a 40x50-foot plot, recorded in the name of the officer's wife — construction cost estimated at ₹1.20 crore.
- G+2 building in Gadadhar Nagar, registered in the wife's name and functioning as a hostel — construction cost estimated at ₹91.50 lakh.
- Purchases of four-wheelers and two-wheelers amounting to around ₹14 lakh, recorded in the names of Pandey and family members, among other expenditures.
Local governance and accountability implications
The raids underline increased vigilance by the Lokayukta on municipal functionaries. Allegations of assets disproportionate to known salary income can trigger further action under Lokayukta powers, including detailed accounting of income and expenditure and potential recovery or prosecution depending on investigative findings.
Indore residents rely on municipal officers for land records, revenue assessment and civic services; allegations against a long-serving official therefore carry implications for public confidence in everyday municipal transactions. The Lokayukta’s move to search both a family residence and a property operating as a hostel reflects efforts to trace the extent of alleged holdings beyond official records.
| Item/Property | Location | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|
| G+3 residence (construction cost) | Anand Nagar Extension | ₹1.20 crore |
| G+2 hostel (construction cost) | Gadadhar Nagar | ₹91.50 lakh |
| Vehicles (4-wheelers & 2-wheelers) | In names of officer and family | Approx. ₹14 lakh |
DSP Chauhan said the search teams are continuing work to collate documents and material evidence that will help quantify the alleged disparity between assets and declared income. He stressed that full details would be available only after the search and seizure process is completed and records are examined.
As the probe proceeds, further steps could include verification of bank statements, investigation of title documents for the properties, and assessment of income tax and service earnings over the period of the officer's service. The Lokayukta has not yet indicated whether arrests or prosecutions will follow; such decisions typically depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry.
The operation follows intelligence received by the anti-graft body alleging accumulation of assets beyond lawful earnings by the officer. Residents in the affected localities said the searches attracted attention and that they were awaiting official updates on findings and subsequent action.
The Lokayukta’s inquiry into a municipal official is likely to be watched closely across Indore for its implications on accountability within civic administration.
