Lokayukta raids WCD officer in ₹9.5-crore assets case:Multiple properties in Indore searched; probe focuses on alleged excess assets

In a major anti-corruption operation, the Indore Lokayukta on Wednesday raided multiple properties linked to Lakshmi Narayan Kandwal, Deputy Director in the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, after registering a disproportionate assets (DA) case against him. According to Lokayukta SP Rajesh Sahay, three Lokayukta teams simultaneously launched search operations at Kandwal’s residence, a gym and a departmental store linked to him. 30-Year service under scanner Sahay said that source-based intelligence suggested that Kandwal had amassed wealth far beyond his legitimate earnings during his nearly three decades in government service.
The allegations were verified through a preliminary inquiry conducted by Acting Inspector Ashutosh Mithas. The verification reportedly established a prima facie case of disproportionate assets, leading to the registration of an offence under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018. Following this, the Lokayukta obtained a search warrant from the Special Court in Indore on June 9 and carried out the raids on Wednesday. Salary income ₹2.5 crore, assets touch ₹ 9.5 crore The Lokayukta estimates that Kandwal earned approximately Rs 2.5 crore through salary during his service period, while the value of assets verified so far stands at around Rs 9.5 crore. The disproportionate assets have been calculated at 241% above his known sources of income, making it one of the significant DA cases registered against a serving state government officer in recent months. Income of 2.5 crore, assets of 9.5 crore According to the Lokayukta investigation Lokayukta’s action is ongoing. Based on the documents and properties found during the search, the figure of disproportionate assets is expected to increase further. 13,500-Sq Ft building among key assets Among the properties under scrutiny is a 252-square-metre commercial plot in Scheme No. 103, where a 13,500-square-foot multi-storey structure has been constructed. The first three floors are being used for commercial purposes, while the top floor serves as the family’s residence. The building is expected to be a key focus of the ongoing valuation exercise. Plots in Prime Localities, Land Parcels Near Pithampur The investigation has also uncovered Two 1,000-sq-ft plots in Scheme No. 140
Eleven separate land parcels in villages including Tarpura, Beklaya and Banedia on the outskirts of the Pithampur industrial belt. Officials are examining ownership documents, investment patterns and financial transactions linked to these properties. Valuation and financial trail examination continue Lokayukta officials said the searches are aimed at identifying movable and immovable assets, investments, bank accounts and other financial holdings allegedly acquired during Kandwal’s service tenure.
The final extent of the alleged disproportionate assets is expected to become clearer once the search, valuation and document verification processes are completed. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.