Lokayukta widens probe into WCD officer’s assets

Indore: Five months before his scheduled retirement, women and child development department joint director Laxmi Narayan Kandwal is facing intensive scrutiny as Lokayukta investigators widened their probe into the disproportionate assets case registered against him on Wednesday.

A day after searches at his residence, gym and departmental store unearthed assets far exceeding his known sources of income, Lokayukta officials on Thursday initiated a series of inquiries with multiple government departments, banks and financial institutions to map the full extent of his wealth, investments and transactions.

Lokayukta SP Rajesh Sahay said that letters have been sent to transport department seeking details of vehicles purchased by Kandwal and his family members. Investigators have also sought information on bank accounts, loan accounts and financial transactions from various banks and the lead bank. Directions have been issued to obtain details of bank lockers linked to the accused and his relatives and to prevent their operation until further verification.

The anti-corruption agency has also written to women and child development department seeking Kandwal’s complete service record and has recommended disciplinary action against him.

Information regarding income tax filings, insurance policies and educational expenditure incurred on schooling and higher education of his children has also been sought from the concerned authorities.

The fresh assessment has significantly revised the estimated market value of several properties linked to Kandwal. Lokayukta officials said agricultural land holdings traced so far measure 16.479 hectares (about 40.72 acres), with a current market value estimated at nearly Rs 25 crore.

The land parcels are located mainly around the rapidly developing Pithampur industrial belt and adjoining areas.

Investigators have also reassessed two 1,000 sq ft plots in Scheme No. 140, placing their combined market value at around Rs 2.5 crore.

Among the most valuable urban assets under scrutiny is Kandwal’s commercial property in Anand Vihar, Scheme No. 103. Officials estimated the market value of the 2,712 sq ft plot at about Rs 6.8 crore, while the construction standing on it is valued at around Rs 2 crore.

Lokayukta officials said the total value of inventory recovered during Wednesday’s searches has been calculated at Rs 1.06 crore. The seized inventory includes household assets, jewellery, stock found at the departmental store and equipment installed at the gym operated by the family.

As part of the continuing probe, letters have also been issued to registration offices in Indore, Mhow, Pithampur and Dhar to identify any additional properties linked to Kandwal or his family members. Revenue authorities have been asked to provide khasra, khatauni and other land ownership records relating to agricultural holdings traced during the investigation.

The searches on Wednesday had led to the registration of a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act after Lokayukta found assets allegedly disproportionate to Kandwal’s known sources of income. Officials said examination of financial records, property documents and other material collected during the raids is continuing and the value of assets under scrutiny could undergo further revision as more information emerges.