SI recruitment scam: Ex-DIG PK Dutta's properties valued at over Rs 79 crore

* Kumar Sanjit Krishna yet to divulge details

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: While the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti Corruption, Assam, has found evidences of former State DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Prasanta Kumar Dutta accumulating assets disproportionate to his known source of income during his service period, the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) is still trying to trace Rs 40 lakh — the reported amount at which the deal was struck between former Karimganj SP (Superintendent of Police) Kumar Sanjit Krishna and other middlemen in the recent SI recruitment scam in the State.

The twist in the tale is that the already arrested SP has not yet confessed that he had taken the money to leak the question paper. Police, however, supect that Kumar Sanjit Krishna might have hidden the cash on October 14 — the day he remained untraceable despite summons from the CID. But, the investigating agency has got infomation that the SP had met four persons (including a woman) that day. Mentionably, the SP surrendered at the DGP's office here on October 15.

Meanwhile, with reference to the properties amassed by scam mastermind and former DIG PK Dutta, the Directorate of Vigilance & Anti Corruption has registered the following case — 10/ 2020 u/s 13 (1) (b)/13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018).

The FIR states that during the course of inquiry, the suspect officer — PK Dutta, IPS (since retired) has submitted his assets and liabilities statements.

The FIR adds, "After scrutiny of his statements, it was ascertained that the grand total income of PK Dutta and his wife Swapnashree Dutta is Rs. 7,23,33,483; and the total expenditure shown incurred by Dutta and his wife is Rs. 9,03,82,782. In the course of inquiry and from reliable source input, it is found that Dutta had not disclosed many properties which have been found to be possessed by Dutta in his name or in the name of his immediate family members.

"As per source, Dutta and his immediate family members, namely Swapnashree Dutta (wife), Banmayuri Dutta, (daughter) and Kashyap Abhinandan Kakoty (brother-in-law) had acquired huge properties from different sources, which is relatable to Dutta. Some of such undisclosed properties, which are not reflected in his 'Assets and Liabilities' statements and subsequentty traced out in the course of inquiry are as follows:

1. 1,600 bighas of land at Cachar, Udharbond (Tea Estate): Rs 32 crore;

2. Rubber garden at Silchar: Rs 24 crore;

3. Four hotels at Guwahati: Rs 16 crore;

4. Bhargav Residency at Dibrugarh: Rs 3 crore; and

5. Investment In equity share = Rs 2,21,42,200.

The total undisclosed amount is Rs 77,21,42,2001 (approximately)

The expenditure as per the 'Assets & Liabilities statement' is Rs 9,03,82,782. The grand total expenditure is Rs 86,25,24,982. Therefore, the total declared income is Rs 7,23,33,483.

The net disproportionate amount is Rs 79,01,91,499 (approximately).

The FIR also states, "Besides the above, he has more such undisclosed properties which will be ascertained in the course of investigation. An approximate valuation of the above five properties have been considered as per information of the local authorities, which can vary in final assessment."

The FIR added, "Furthermore, Dutta joined the Assam Police Service in 1992 and retired as DIG of Police in 2019. Also, in the course of inquiry, it was found that Dutta's immediate family members, namely Swapnashree Dutta, (wife), Banmayuri Dutta (daughter) and Kashyap Abhinandan Kakoti (brother-in-law) of Dutta have acquired properties without having their known sources of income.

"The above mentioned immediate family members are directors of three companies, namely M/s Mahamaya Estate Private Limited, M/s Murari Commodities Private Limited, and M/s Ishan Commercial Private Limited — which are relatable to Dutta. During inquiry, it was also revealed that most of the properties acquired by Dutta and his immediate family members are within his service period from 1992 to 2019 (since retired).

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