Ranchi: Jharkhand’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a fresh corruption FIR against suspended IAS officer IAS Vinay Kumar Choubey (1999 batch), already under investigation in multiple financial scams in the state. The new case names seven individuals, including Chaubey’s relatives and close associate Vinay Singh, allegedly involved in helping him amass illegal wealth and conceal financial transactions.
Fresh FIR Expands Probe Against Chaubey
The newly registered FIR significantly broadens the ongoing investigation into Choubey’s disproportionate assets case. According to the ACB, Choubey allegedly created a network of accounts in the names of family members and acquaintances to hide illicit earnings, channeling crores of rupees through property purchases and transfers.
The ACB reportedly took Mr Choubey from RIMS Hospital, Ranchi to Hazaribagh on Monday in connection with the ongoing probe.
Family and Associates Among New Accused
The FIR names the following individuals –
- Vinay Choubey, suspended IAS officer
- Swapna Sanchita, wife
- Satyendra Nath Trivedi, father-in-law
- Shipij Trivedi, brother-in-law
- Priyanka Trivedi, brother-in-law’s wife
- Vinay Singh, close associate
- Sanchita Singh, Vinay Singh’s wife
Investigators claim these individuals handled funds, property purchases, and financial transactions on Mr Choubey’s behalf, allegedly facilitating the concealment of illegal assets.
Fraudulent Financial Transactions Under Scrutiny
The ACB alleges the group routed crores of rupees through multiple accounts to cover the source of illicit income. Activities under investigation include –
- Fraudulent property dealings
- Suspicious cash withdrawals
- Unexplained fund transfers
This network is believed to have systematically concealed Choubey’s illegal earnings, beyond his official income.
Chaubey Already Under Judicial Custody in Multiple Scams
Vinay Chaubey is currently in judicial custody over earlier cases, including –
- Jharkhand Liquor Scam – alleged corruption and manipulation in state liquor operations
- Hazaribagh Land Scam – unauthorized land deals and forged documents
Investigations indicate Chaubey’s official earnings totaled Rs 2.20 crore, but transactions linked to him and associates amounted to Rs 3.47 crore, a difference of Rs 1.27 crore – approximately 53% beyond his known income.
ACB Probe Expected to Deepen
The ACB continues searches, interrogations, and forensic financial investigations to uncover the full extent of the network. Further arrests, property attachments, and legal actions are expected as the investigation progresses.
