Gujarat IAS officer Rajendra Kumar Patel arrested in ₹1,500 crore land scam

Gandhinagar (The Uttam Hindu): In a major crackdown on corruption in Gujarat, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested IAS officer Rajendra Kumar Patel. The arrest was made in connection with the notorious ₹1,500 crore land scam and related money laundering case.

Three teams had reached the residence on Friday

On Friday, three ED teams raided Patel's residence in Gandhinagar. Officials questioned him extensively, after which he was taken into custody. The arrest has caused a stir in state administrative circles.

Important clues were found in the raid conducted in December

The ED was already tightening its grip on this case. Previously, the investigating agency conducted extensive raids in Surendranagar district on December 20th and 21st. At that time, raids were conducted at the premises of then-Collector Rajendra Patel, his personal assistant Jairajsinh Jhala, Deputy Tehsildar Chandrasinh Mori, and clerk Mayursinh Gohil. During the investigation, more than ₹60 lakh in cash was recovered, hidden in the bedroom of Deputy Tehsildar Mori's home.

Disclosure of assets worth more than Rs 5 crore

An investigation has revealed that 2015-batch IAS officer Rajendra Patel possesses assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The ED has so far found evidence of movable and immovable assets worth more than ₹5 crore. Originally from Ahmedabad, Rajendra Patel earned a BDS and an MA in Public Policy before joining the civil service.

He had already been removed from the post of collector

Following the corruption allegations and the initial ED action, the state government took a tough stand and stripped Patel of his responsibilities as Surendranagar collector. At the time of his arrest, he was posted in the General Administration Department.