Plea to attach properties of former SMC officer

The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) of Gujarat police on Monday moved a local court for permission to confiscate properties of Rudrapratap Biharilal Sinha, the former health officer of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).

According to ACB sources, Sinha, who was the health officer of SMC from 1985 to 1999, amassed wealth far exceeding his known sources of income. Raids were conducted at Sinha's residence by ACB sleuths four years back, which exposed his corrupt practices.

Investigations revealed that Sinha owned several flats and a bungalow in the city. He had also invested heavily in real estate.

He had also deposited lakhs of rupees in various bank accounts, in addition to investment in share certificates, mutual funds and fixed deposits.

The total value of these properties was derived at Rs 54.65 lakh, which far exceeded Sinha's known sources of income.

A case was registered against Sinha under the Prevention of Corruption Act, while a charge sheet was filed against him on July 28, 2003.

Meanwhile, the home ministry gave a green signal to the ACB to initiate steps to confiscate Sinha's properties.

Following this, the ACB sleuths filed a plea in the local court, seeking permission to confiscate the illegally amassed properties of Sinha on Monday. The court hearing on the case will be on October 10.