Lokayukta Raids Retired PWD Engineer Govind Prasad Mehra, Unearths Hidden Assets Worth ₹10 Crore
Bhopal has once again found itself in the spotlight after the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta carried out extensive raids on multiple properties linked to retired PWD Chief Engineer Govind Prasad Mehra. The early morning operation, held on October 10, 2025, uncovered an astonishing network of luxury assets, land holdings, and cash believed to be worth over ₹10 crore.
Officials say the searches were part of a larger investigation into disproportionate assets accumulated during Mehra’s three-decade-long government service.
Multiple Locations, Massive Discovery
According to Lokayukta officials, teams raided four different premises in Bhopal, Raisen, and Sehore districts, including Mehra’s residence and several rural properties registered under his and his family’s names. What they found was nothing short of jaw-dropping piles of documents, bank records, and property papers revealing wealth far beyond his known income.
Officers recovered cash bundles, gold and silver ornaments, and even luxury vehicles parked across different estates. Officials also stumbled upon evidence of several commercial ventures reportedly owned or managed by Mehra’s family.
The Farmhouse That Stunned Investigators
One of the key highlights of the raid was Mehra’s farmhouse spread across nearly 100 acres, complete with cottages, landscaped gardens, a private temple, a cowshed, and fish ponds. Investigators described it as more of a private retreat than a farm.
They also discovered an operational PVC pipe manufacturing unit, two fish farms, and nearly 17 tonnes of honey stocked inside large containers. The sheer scale of agricultural and industrial activity sparked questions about whether these enterprises were declared in his income filings.
How The Raid Was Planned
The crackdown, according to insiders, followed months of surveillance and analysis of Mehra’s financial footprint. Lokayukta officers reportedly tracked his transactions, property transfers, and sudden expansions of rural holdings.
The search teams were divided into specialized units some focusing on city residences, others on rural assets. The operation began at dawn and continued throughout the day, with digital evidence and official files being seized for forensic examination.
Inside The Investigation
The Lokayukta is probing possible violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act. A senior officer involved in the operation stated that Mehra’s declared income and asset growth “do not align” and that several investments appear to have been made through benami accounts and front businesses.
Investigators are also scanning details of contracts awarded during his tenure as Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department, where he oversaw large infrastructure projects. The suspicion is that kickbacks from contractors and project tenders may have contributed to the buildup of hidden wealth.
No Arrests Yet, But Case Intensifies
Although no arrests have been made so far, sources confirmed that Mehra will soon be summoned for questioning. Lokayukta officials have also requested valuation reports for the properties seized to establish the total worth of assets under scrutiny.
Legal experts believe that if proven guilty of possessing disproportionate assets, Mehra could face imprisonment and the confiscation of his holdings under anti-corruption provisions.
Meanwhile, authorities have sealed some of the properties to prevent any tampering or sale of evidence.
Public Reaction And Political Ripples
The raids have triggered intense discussion across Madhya Pradesh’s bureaucratic and political circles. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with users demanding stricter action against corruption in government departments.
Several retired officers privately admitted that Mehra’s case may not be an isolated one and called for more transparent asset audits for senior government engineers and contractors.
A Broader Crackdown
The Lokayukta has reportedly been monitoring multiple senior officials in the PWD and other state departments for months. The agency’s recent operations are part of a renewed anti-corruption drive aimed at identifying government employees who have amassed wealth beyond their legitimate means.
An officer close to the investigation remarked that the goal is not only to expose corruption but also to rebuild public faith in state institutions.
What Happens Next
For now, Mehra remains under investigation while forensic teams analyze seized documents and digital records. Once the valuation process concludes, the Lokayukta will likely file a detailed charge sheet outlining how the alleged assets were accumulated and whether public funds were diverted.
As the case unfolds, it serves as yet another reminder that even after retirement, accountability does not end for those who once held positions of power.