The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) of the Bihar Police has carried out a major crackdown on corruption, seizing assets worth ₹1.87 cr during raids on District Education Officer (DEO) Rajnikant Praveen’s properties in Bettiah, West Champaran.
The operation, which targeted Praveen’s office and residence, uncovered bundles of cash hidden under beds in multiple rooms of his house, causing ripples across the education department.
The raids were conducted in several districts, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, West Champaran, and Samastipur, as part of a disproportionate assets investigation.
Currency-counting machines were brought in from a local bank to determine the exact amount of cash seized. Alongside the cash, the SVU unearthed documents revealing the accumulation of significant movable and immovable assets.
Sources confirmed that Praveen’s wife manages a private school in Bettiah, raising further questions about the origin of their wealth.
Complaints from teacher associations had reportedly alleged corruption by Praveen for years, but these grievances were overlooked due to his alleged connections with influential individuals.
He has been serving as the DEO in Bettiah for over three years and joined the state education department in 2005.
The raids commenced early on Thursday after obtaining the necessary clearances and are part of a broader investigation into corruption within the education department.
Reports suggest that at least ten other officials are under the SVU’s watch for similar allegations of misconduct. Earlier, DEOs in East Champaran and Kishanganj districts faced similar actions over accusations of corruption.
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