Lokayukta uncovers retired excise officer’s disproportionate assets worth ₹18.59 cr:₹10 cr bungalow under construction in Indore; ₹4 cr planned for interiors

The Lokayukta conducted raids at the home and offices of retired excise officer Dharmendra Singh Bhadauria on Wednesday. Searches were carried out at seven locations, including Kailash Kunj, Business Sky Park in Indore, and his residence in Indramani Nagar, Gwalior. During the operation, authorities found disproportionate assets amounting to 829%, including cash worth ₹1.13 crore. Luxurious bungalow under construction One of the key revelations during the investigation is that Bhadauria is constructing a luxury bungalow worth over ₹5 crore in Indore. The bungalow’s interiors were planned using imported materials, with an estimated expenditure of ₹4 crore solely on interiors. However, the Lokayukta intervened before the construction could be completed. The property, located on plot number C-35 in Malwa County Township, Indore, is being developed by Indore-based architectural firm The Design Charette. Bhadauria’s daughter, Apoorva Singh Bhadauria, is a partner in the company overseeing the construction. Bungalow being built in Italian design The bungalow is designed in an Italian style and will feature two to three halls. A chandelier valued at over ₹22 lakh is planned for the main hall, and a home theater is set to cost more than ₹50 lakh. The staircase has been designed with a cinematic style. The residence will include four bedrooms, each with a balcony, and a garden with a luxury fountain at the back. Sources indicate that furniture worth approximately ₹1.5 crore will be imported from China for the interiors. Plot value and construction costs The plot itself is valued at ₹3.36 crore according to collector guidelines, while its market value is estimated at around ₹6 crore. The construction and interior costs are additional, bringing the total estimated expenditure for the bungalow to around ₹10 crore. The property is located in a prime area of County Walk, Indore. Collection of Expensive Vehicles Authorities also recovered several luxury vehicles from Bhadauria’s possession, including one Volvo, one Fortuner, two Innovas, and four high-end bikes. Reports indicate that two expensive superbikes, which had been modified, were found in his flat. Many of his vehicles carry the registration number 0045. Controversial career and suspensions Bhadauria’s career in the excise department has been controversial. He was suspended twice during his service. He served in various districts, including Indore, Gwalior, Khandwa, Dhar, and Alirajpur. The Alirajpur posting was significant as it, along with Jhabua and Dhar, forms a critical area for illegal liquor operations from Gujarat. Bhadauria maintained control over these operations for years and faced multiple complaints related to illegal activities. Parallel business and wealth accumulation According to sources from the Excise Department, Bhadauria operated as a petty contractor while still in service. He partnered with Rinku Bhatia, who held the contract in Alirajpur, and allegedly took control of the district’s liquor business. By operating parallel to his official duties, Bhadauria accumulated substantial wealth over time. Loans and financial transactions Investigators have found an agreement showing that Bhadauria’s son, Suryans, and daughter, Apoorva, provided a loan of approximately ₹2.85 crore to a person named Jitendra Chaudhary. Bank documents corroborate this transaction. Additionally, evidence indicates expenditures totaling ₹12.51 crore from his house at number 201. Bhadauria’s daughter’s company is also currently under investigation.