The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recovered ₹7 lakh in unaccounted cash during searches at the residence of Dhanraj, a barber employed at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad. The raid was part of a broader, ongoing investigation into a massive disproportionate assets (DA) case involving senior NIMS official Dr. Nori Lakshmi Bhaskar. Expanded Raids Target Key Support StaffThe cash seizure at the barber’s premises was part of a coordinated series of early-morning raids targeting five lower-tier NIMS employees. ACB officials descended on multiple locations across Hyderabad to trace financial links, potential proxy-held (benami) properties, and illicit monetary channels stemming from the primary suspect. In addition to the ₹7 lakh cash seized from Dhanraj’s home, ACB sleuths confiscated several critical land documents, property registries, and records of large-scale cash transactions. Investigators suspect that Dr. Bhaskar may have used support staff and trusted acquaintances around the institute to park unexplained wealth, execute real estate transactions, or act as conduits for illegal gains. Unraveling the Dr. Lakshmi Bhaskar DA CaseThe latest searches follow the high-profile arrest of Dr. Nori Lakshmi Bhaskar, the Additional Superintendent at NIMS. The anti-graft agency initiated proceedings against him after discovering evidence that he had accumulated wealth far exceeding his known, legal sources of income. Investigation Summary: Key Metrics & TimelineParameterDetails & FindingsPrimary AccusedDr. Nori Lakshmi Bhaskar (Additional Superintendent, NIMS)Documented Assets Value₹6.13 crore (Market value estimated at over ₹80 crore)Seized HoldingsResidential flats, land plots, luxury vehicles, 517g gold, ₹29.55L in mutual fundsLatest Cash Seizure₹7 lakh recovered from Dhanraj (NIMS Barber)Key Locations Searched5 residences/premises belonging to NIMS staff and associatesLegal FrameworkPrevention of Corruption ActInitial raids conducted at Dr. Bhaskar’s primary residence and properties belonging to his immediate family unveiled documented assets worth over ₹6.13 crore. However, market valuations conducted by anti-corruption experts suggest the actual real estate value of the seized properties exceeds ₹80 crore. The holdings include multiple luxury apartments, commercial plots across prime urban belts, extensive bank balances, and mutual fund investments. Money Trails and the Benami NetworkThe recovery of a significant cash sum from a hospital barber has turned spotlight onto the operational tactics employed in public sector corruption cases. ACB sleuths noted that high-ranking officials frequently utilize trusted, non-clinical staff—including barbers, ward boys, and administrative assistants—to avoid attracting attention from regulatory bodies. Investigators are currently examining financial statements and land deeds seized from all five locations to verify whether the ₹7 lakh cash was given to Dhanraj for safekeeping or represented a commission for handling real estate transactions on behalf of the senior doctor. Document Analysis: Forensic accountants are verifying signature patterns, power-of-attorney documents, and land registries recovered during the raids.Bank Account Audits: The ACB is auditing bank accounts held by Dhanraj and his family members to detect sudden, unexplained influxes of cash or structured deposits designed to bypass reporting thresholds.Cross-Examination: Support staff members whose homes were searched are being summoned to the ACB headquarters in Banjara Hills for detailed questioning.Next Steps in the Legal ProcessThe Telangana ACB is preparing to petition the principal special court for police custody of Dr. Lakshmi Bhaskar to conduct custodial interrogations alongside the newly implicated staff members. Officials emphasized that the probe remains active and that additional searches may follow as forensic teams complete the verification of seized electronic devices, bank lockers, and property documents. The agency is expected to present a comprehensive money-trail report to the court once the verification of all recovered assets is complete.
