Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a disproportionate assets case against Ashwin B. Chaudhary, a Class-I Chief Electrical Inspector posted at Udyog Bhavan in Gandhinagar, after recovering cash, gold, silver, and other valuables worth nearly ₹2.65 crore from his government vehicle and residences in Gandhinagar and Surat.

According to the ACB, Police Inspector P.N. Khokhara received information that Chaudhary allegedly issued safety certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) related to solar projects without conducting mandatory site inspections and accepted bribes from traders and applicants in return.

Acting on the tip-off, an ACB team placed Chaudhary and the government vehicle allotted to him under surveillance. On the evening of the operation, officials intercepted his government-issued white Swift Dzire while he was returning home.

During a search of the vehicle, the ACB recovered ₹5.51 lakh in cash along with gift vouchers. Investigators said Chaudhary failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money.

Subsequently, the ACB conducted searches at his residences in Gandhinagar and Surat after receiving information about the presence of large amounts of cash, precious metals, and related documents. The raids led to the recovery of ₹1.76 crore in cash and gold and silver bars, jewellery, and coins valued at approximately ₹88.83 lakh.

In total, assets worth ₹2.65 crore were seized from three locations, including the government vehicle and residential premises. The accused allegedly failed to furnish a satisfactory financial explanation or supporting documents regarding the recovered assets.

Based on the findings, the ACB concluded that the assets were acquired through corrupt practices and sources disproportionate to his known legal income. A case has been registered under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, as amended in 2018. Further investigation is being carried out by K.D. Suthar of the Sabarkantha ACB Police Station in Himmatnagar. DeshGujarat