The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bhopal Zonal Office, has filed a charge sheet against Dharmendra Singh Bhadauria, the former district excise officer of Alirajpur, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The charge sheet was submitted to the Special Court (PMLA) in Indore, leading to a notice being issued to the accused. The case stems from an FIR filed by the Special Police Establishment (SPE), Lokayukta, Indore, accusing Bhadauria under various provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to an ED press note released on Monday, the allegations focus on the acquisition of assets disproportionate to Bhadauria’s known sources of income during his tenure in the Excise Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The ED’s investigation uncovered that Bhadauria knowingly obtained, concealed, and projected proceeds of crime as untainted property. He allegedly invested illegal funds in high-value assets, both movable and immovable, registered in his and his family members’ names.
The assets were significantly higher than his lawful income, qualifying as Proceeds of Crime under the PMLA, with a total value of Rs 18.20 crore identified and quantified during the probe. The ED had previously issued a provisional attachment order under the PMLA, 2002, seizing assets worth exactly Rs 18.20 crore, including cash, gold, silver items, various properties, and valuables acquired through suspected illicit means.
This case sheds light on corruption within the state’s excise department, responsible for regulating the liquor trade and contributing substantial revenue to the government. By channeling illicit gains into family-owned properties, the accused allegedly aimed to mask the source of his wealth. The legal process is ongoing in the Special Court, where the prosecution will present evidence collected during the investigation. If found guilty, Bhadauria could face severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 7 years and substantial fines under the PMLA.
