Patna: Documents related to jewellery worth around Rs 6 lakh, Rs 2.8 lakh in cash and papers concerning 10 plots of land valued at around Rs 3 crore were recovered during searches conducted on the premises of Kishanganj district programme officer (DPO) Ruby Kumari and her husband Gaurav Kumar on Tuesday in connection with a disproportionate assets case.The searches were carried out by Economic Offences Unit (EOU) after an FIR was registered against the couple on Nov 2. The case was registered at Economic Offences Police Station under Sections 49/61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.According to the EOU DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon, preliminary evidence indicated that the couple had allegedly accumulated assets around 87.49% beyond their known legal sources of income. The agency initiated the searches after obtaining warrants from Special Court of Vigilance, Patna.Searches were conducted at four locations, including Ruby’s ancestral residence and a private property in Officers Colony, Katihar; her govt office in Kishanganj and rented premises in Line Para, Kishanganj. The searches were led by officers of DSP rank.“The investigation also uncovered documents relating to the purchase of 10 plots, including nine properties mentioned in the FIR and another property. The documents indicate that the combined value of the plots was around Rs 3 crore,” the investigating officers said.Officials also found a newly constructed five-storey building spread over around eight decimals of land in a prime area of Katihar. Renovation work was reportedly underway at the property. The EOU officer said several crores of rupees appeared to have been spent on its construction, although the exact value would be established after a formal assessment.An SUV was also recovered from Ruby’s residence. Investigators have alleged that the vehicle was being held as ‘benami’ property.Ruby joined the education department after being selected for Bihar Education Service through the 56th to 59th Combined Competitive Examination conducted by Bihar Public Service Commission in 2018. She received her first posting in Purnia in 2019, was posted as DPO in Katihar in 2023 and has been serving as DPO (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) in Kishanganj since 2025.Her husband, Gaurav, joined Indian Railways in 2004 as a Loco Sahayak under Group C and is currently posted at Katihar railway station.EOU said the documents and other materials seized during the searches were being scrutinised. Investigators are also assessing the properties and other assets recovered during the operation. They said the value of the alleged disproportionate assets could increase as the scrutiny progresses. The competent authority has also been informed about the case.
