Bihar’s Special Surveillance Unit Raids District Education Officer’s Premises, Uncovering Massive Illegal Wealth
The Special Surveillance Unit (SSU) of Bihar launched a series of raids early Thursday morning targeting the premises of Rajnikant Praveen, the District Education Officer (DEO) of West Champaran. Throughout his 20-year career, Praveen allegedly accumulated wealth amounting to crores of rupees through illegal means by abusing his position of power.
Raids Conducted Across Three Locations
Acting on credible information, the SSU conducted simultaneous raids at three locations linked to the DEO. The operation, spanning Bettiah, Samastipur, and Darbhanga, uncovered massive cash and other incriminating evidence. Authorities had to call in a note-counting machine to facilitate counting the recovered money.
Illegal Wealth Unearthed
Investigations revealed that Praveen amassed disproportionate assets worth approximately ₹1,87,23,625 between 2005 and now. These assets include both movable and immovable properties, allegedly acquired as part of a larger criminal conspiracy. The SSU suspects that these earnings far exceed his legitimate sources of income.
A 45th Batch Officer With a Controversial Career
Rajnikant Praveen belongs to the 45th batch of officers of Bihar’s State Education Department. He began his government service in 2005 and has held key positions as an education officer in several districts, including Darbhanga, Samastipur, and others. His career, spanning nearly two decades, is now under scrutiny following these revelations.
Family Ties to Questionable Activities
Praveen’s wife, Sushma Kumari, who previously worked as a contractual teacher, left her job and now serves as the Director of Open Mind Birla School in Darbhanga. Investigators believe that the school is being managed and operated using Praveen’s unlawfully earned wealth. Though she is listed as the owner, the financial resources backing the institution appear to have stemmed from her husband’s illegal activities.
Ongoing Investigation
The raids, which began in the early hours of the day, are part of a broader investigation by the SSU to clamp down on corruption in Bihar’s education sector. Authorities are expected to continue scrutinizing Praveen’s financial records and other assets to uncover the full extent of the irregularities. This case sheds light on the deep-rooted corruption affecting public service in the state.
