13 kg gold, 9 kg silver, and ₹1.62 crore in cash, the story of UP’s ‘wealth tycoon’ ARTO Lalit Kumar

Lucknow: The Lucknow sector team of the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment had registered a disproportionate assets case against former Assistant Regional Transport Officer Lalit Kumar under the Prevention of Corruption Act. In connection with this investigation, officials obtained a search warrant from the court and conducted intensive raids on Tuesday and Wednesday at his residence in the Chandralok Colony of Aliganj, Lucknow. During the operation, investigators recovered a massive amount of concealed cash, significant quantities of gold and silver jewelry and precious metals, as well as secret documents pertaining to various movable and immovable assets.

Cash hidden in packets
The vigilance team was stunned by the scene upon arriving at former ARTO Lalit Kumar’s home in Aliganj’s Chandralok Colony. Investigators recovered a substantial sum of approximately ₹1.62 crore in cash, which had been hidden in packets at various locations inside the house. Officials searched all suspected spots and seized this hidden cash; it is now being included in the case diary and the ongoing investigation for further legal action.

Gold and silver bars worth crores recovered
Large quantities of precious metals were also found in the house during the raid. The Vigilance team seized approximately 13 kilograms of gold (in the form of bars, bricks, and jewelry) and about 9 kilograms of silver (in the form of bars, biscuits, and ornaments). The total value of these recovered precious metals and jewelry is estimated to be around ₹20 crore. The team officials were astonished to see such a vast quantity of gold and silver.

Immovable assets spread across multiple districts
Investigators also discovered documents at Lalit Kumar’s home relating to investments in various movable and immovable assets. These assets include several residential houses and plots in Lucknow, agricultural land in the Lucknow, Barabanki, and Raebareli districts, and bookings for flats in Lucknow and Noida. The estimated value of these immovable properties is reported to be around ₹13 crore. Additionally, officials recovered a Toyota Innova, a Hyundai i20 car, and a revolver from the residence.

Investments in Government Schemes and Bank Deposits
During the search, the Vigilance team also discovered documents revealing investments exceeding ₹1 crore in bank deposits, post office schemes, mutual funds, and fixed deposits. The investigation team has also compiled an inventory of expensive furnishings and other valuable household items found in the house. According to the Vigilance Establishment, the total value of the recovered cash, precious metals, jewelry, movable and immovable assets, and investments is estimated at approximately ₹35 crore; this figure is currently being meticulously verified.

Cash Reward Announced for the Successful Team
According to the Vigilance team, all the suspicious assets recovered during the search are being verified and incorporated into the ongoing investigation, after which strict legal action will follow. Commending the Lucknow sector team for executing this highly successful and significant operation, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh and the Director of the Vigilance Establishment have announced a cash reward of ₹1 lakh for the team.

Allegations During Postings
Lalit Kumar is a retired ARTO (Assistant Regional Transport Officer) from the Transport Department. The Anti-Corruption Organization had previously initiated an investigation against him during his posting in Kanpur, where his expenditure exceeded his legitimate income (₹93.26 lakh) by ₹68.66 lakh. Subsequently, in June 2022, he was appointed as the ARTO of Agra; during his two-year tenure there, another case regarding the accumulation of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income came to light.