The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police on Tuesday conducted raids at multiple premises linked to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnish Kumar Pathak, alias Rinku Pathak, in Motihari, East Champaran district, as part of an investigation into allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, news agency IANS reported.

Source: IANS via Hi India

EOU teams reached Pathak's premises at around 6 a.m., accompanied by Motihari police personnel, and the searches covered his residence and business establishments, including his gas agency. A large police contingent was deployed at the locations while investigators examined documents related to his properties, businesses and financial transactions, and security was tightened with access restricted around the premises being searched.

Source: IANS via Hi India

Rs 3.56 croreValue of assets under scrutiny, per the EOU's preliminary findings
124.81%Amount by which the assets allegedly exceed the couple's known income
6 a.m.Time EOU teams reached the premises on Tuesday

Assets allegedly 124.81 per cent above known income

According to the EOU, preliminary findings indicate that Pathak and his wife, Kiran Devi, allegedly accumulated assets beyond their known sources of income, estimated at approximately Rs 3.56 crore, or 124.81 per cent above their known income. Pathak represents Ward No. 7 of the Kesariya Nagar Panchayat and is a former chief councillor of the body, while his wife serves as the Nagar Panchayat's chief councillor. Investigators are examining properties and business interests linked to him in Motihari, Kesariya and other locations.

Source: Nation Press

The investigation reportedly began after the EOU received a complaint alleging that Pathak had accumulated substantial wealth over the past decade. Officials had not released details of any documents, cash or other items recovered during the searches, and the EOU was expected to provide further information after the search operations were completed. The allegations remain subject to the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings, and no formal charges had been filed when the reports were published. Reports also said Pathak had faced criminal cases in the past, including an extortion case, the outcomes of which were not given in the reports.

Source: IANS via Hi India