ACB court rejects bail plea of AMC estate inspector in ₹3.26 cr disproportionate assets case

In a case involving disproportionate assets worth over ₹3.26 crore, the Special ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) Court has rejected the bail plea of Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s Estate Department Ward Inspector Jignesh Shah.

Shah is accused of large-scale corruption and misuse of his official position, was denied bail even after his chargesheet was filed. The court observed that as a public servant, Shah had abused his authority to gather illegal wealth and invested the money in immovable properties under his and his dependents’ names.

The ACB court noted that preliminary evidence clearly indicated that the accused had engaged in serious corrupt practices and acquired wealth 124.68% higher than his known income sources.

The court further remarked that releasing the accused on bail would send a wrong message to society, suggesting that public servants indulging in corruption have nothing to fear from the law. It could also encourage others to commit similar offences.

What is the case?

Between 2012 and 2022, Jignesh Shah gathered properties worth far beyond his legitimate income. In 2023, a complaint was filed with AMC alleging that Shah, during his tenure in the Estate Department, had acquired disproportionate assets under his and his dependents’ names.

Taking into account the seriousness of the offence, the court adopted a strict stance and rejected Shah’s post-charge-sheet bail plea.