Lucknow, July 09 (KNC): In one of the biggest anti-corruption crackdowns in recent times, the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment has recovered cash, gold and silver collectively valued at more than ₹20 crore during raids conducted at the residence of a former Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in connection with a disproportionate assets investigation.

Official sources said the search operation, which continued for two days, was carried out as part of an ongoing inquiry against former ARTO Lalit Kumar over allegations of possessing assets far exceeding his known sources of income. During the extensive searches, vigilance officials reportedly seized ₹1.62 crore in cash besides large quantities of precious metals and documents linked to various movable and immovable properties.

Investigators revealed that the recovered valuables include nearly 13 kilograms of gold and around 9 kilograms of silver. In addition, officials seized records relating to several plots, real estate holdings and other investments allegedly acquired through unexplained financial sources.

The Vigilance Establishment also collected bank records, financial documents and property papers during the operation. Officials said these documents are being thoroughly examined to establish the origin of the assets and determine whether they were accumulated through corrupt or illegal means.

Sources said the investigation has now entered a crucial phase, with vigilance authorities scrutinising financial transactions and ownership records to identify the complete extent of the former officer’s alleged wealth. The probe is also expected to examine whether additional assets or investments linked to the accused remain undisclosed.

Officials stated that legal action under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act has been initiated, while the investigation continues to uncover the full scale of the alleged disproportionate assets.

The high-profile recovery has attracted widespread attention and is being viewed as one of the most significant vigilance actions against a former Transport Department official in Uttar Pradesh, with authorities indicating that further revelations may emerge as the investigation progresses. (KNC)