Jobaaj Stories
In a shocking case of corruption in Bihar, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) uncovered assets worth ₹2 crore and cash totaling ₹1.2 crore from District Education Officer (DEO) Rajnikanth Praveen and his wife. Praveen, who joined the Bihar State Education Department in 2005, has held postings in Bettiah, Darbhanga, and Madhubani districts. He was serving as the DEO in Bettiah (West Champaran) at the time of the raid.
Details of the Seizure
The raids, conducted on Thursday, targeted multiple locations, including Praveen's residence in Bettiah and a private school run by his wife, Sushma Kumari, in Darbhanga.
- At Bettiah: ₹65 lakh in cash, gold, and documents related to immovable properties were found at Praveen's residence.
- At Darbhanga: ₹65-70 lakh in cash was seized from the school managed by his wife.
- Incriminating Documents: Papers related to disproportionate assets were also recovered, confirming suspicions of illicit wealth accumulation.
Statement from Officials
The Special Vigilance Unit superintendent JP Mishra confirmed that the assets and cash seized are far beyond Praveen’s legitimate sources of income. He described the findings as a clear case of disproportionate assets and serious corruption.
The education department, in its order of suspension, stated that Praveen’s actions constitute gross misconduct, and the matter is now under investigation.
Background of the Case
Praveen’s career started in 2005, and he served in several districts during his tenure. His wife, Sushma Kumari, was initially a contractual teacher before founding her private school in Darbhanga. Officials are probing whether the school was used as a front for laundering money.
Why This Case Matters
Corruption in the education sector impacts not just governance but also the quality of education provided to students. As a DEO, Praveen was responsible for overseeing the administration of schools, ensuring educational standards, and allocating resources. The discovery of disproportionate assets raises questions about the misuse of power and public resources in one of India’s most vital sectors.
Public Reactions and Next Steps
The case has sparked outrage among citizens, who demand stricter accountability for public officials. The SVU is expected to continue its investigation, focusing on uncovering the full extent of Praveen’s illegal wealth and connections.
Conclusion
The suspension of Rajnikanth Praveen is a critical step towards addressing corruption in Bihar’s education department. Vigilance and strict action against corrupt officials are essential to rebuild trust in the system and ensure that public funds are used for the welfare of students and educators.
