Ex-ARTO's Secret Lockers Reveal Millions in Gold

In a significant bust, the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department has recovered 13 kilograms of gold and approximately Rs 1.62 crore in cash during extensive raids on the properties of former Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Lalit Kumar. The operation, prompted by long-standing allegations of disproportionate assets, culminated in the discovery of hidden wealth.

Investigators located multiple secret lockers concealed within the walls of Kumar's residence. These hidden compartments yielded substantial quantities of cash, gold jewelry, and sensitive financial documents. A notable find was a high-tech automatic digital locker, which technical experts had to crack after Kumar claimed to have forgotten its password, causing a two-hour delay.

The recovered assets also include documents related to benami properties, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. Allegations suggest Lalit Kumar and his family purchased assets worth crores in cities like Lucknow, Agra, and Noida. The Vigilance Department is scrutinizing these immovable properties, alongside bank lockers and investment records.

Investigators are exploring the possibility of a larger syndicate behind the accumulation of these illicit assets. Forensic and financial scrutiny of the seized items is underway. An FIR will be registered against Lalit Kumar under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with further legal action to follow.