Mumbai: The Mumbai unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday registered a disproportionate assets case against a retired Class III officer with the Mumbai tehsil office and his wife, after his assets were found to be a whopping 256% more than his income during his service period.
According to ACB officials, the offence was registered against Kedar Pawar (62), who retired as a circle officer with the tehsil office in Borivali, and his wife Lata (51).
“We had received an email earlier this year, informing us that Mr. Pawar had amassed assets worth more than his income. After preliminary investigations, we found enough substance in the allegations for further inquiries and an open inquiry was initiated into the matter,” said an ACB officer.
The investigating team obtained details about Mr. Pawar’s assets and his income. As per procedure, the ACB deducted one-third of his income, putting it down to daily expenses, and compared the remaining amount with the value of his assets. “The difference came down to ₹81.33 lakh, which is 256.58% more than what he should have earned,” said the officer.
The ACB then summoned Mr. Pawar and his wife, and they were asked to explain how they were able to amass the assets. The assets include vehicles, real estate, and hefty bank balances and investments, some of which are jointly owned by the couple, while others are in Ms. Lata’s name, in spite of her being a housewife.
After several days of inquiries, when the Pawars were unable to come up with satisfactory explanations, the ACB on Friday registered a case of possessing assets disproportionate to the income against them under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
“We are now obtaining detailed information about his income from his workplace, which will include his salary at the beginning of his career and at the time of his retirement, and any bonuses and perks he might have received. We are also examining his bank transaction history,” said another officer.
The ACB is conducting searches at the Pawar residence and collecting documents related to his properties, bank account, and investments. Officials said no arrests have been made as of now, and that further course of action will be decided once the inquiries are complete.
