Patna: A drug inspector in Bihar has been dismissed from service following the discovery of Rs 4 crore in cash during a raid in 2022, along with evidence of extensive corruption, including the illegal sale of pharmacy degrees. The dismissal of Jitendra Kumar, who had been in service since 2012, was approved by the Nitish Kumar cabinet on Tuesday after a prolonged investigation.
The Vigilance Investigation Bureau raided Jitendra residence in the Sultanganj area of Patna on June 25, 2022. During the operation, five sacks filled with Rs 4,11,79,700 in cash were seized, along with about 1.5 kilograms of gold valued at over Rs 36.48 lakh and 3 kilograms of silver worth Rs 1.66 lakh. Officials also uncovered documents related to 27 properties, many of which were registered under his own name or in the names of close relatives including his wife, mother, brother-in-law, and brother.
The probe revealed that Jitendra held property across three states — Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi — with assets in Patna, Jehanabad, Gaya, Bodh Gaya, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Delhi. Alone, he personally owned 11 of these properties. Investigators estimate his total assets exceeded Rs 8 crore, representing a 160% disproportionate rise compared to his legal income of Rs 60 lakh during his decade-long service.
Further scrutiny of his bank records revealed deposits of Rs 16 lakh, and insurance policies worth Rs 19 lakh. Eight bank accounts and documents of 10 insurance schemes were recovered during the raid.
Sources within the investigation allege that Kumar was at the centre of a racket to sell fake pharmacist degrees through a private pharmacy college, where he was a board member. These degrees were sold for Rs 5 lakh each to individuals who did not meet qualification criteria, facilitating a large-scale fraud in pharmaceutical licensing.
