Ahmedabad, December 29: In a significant achievement underscoring its firm stand against corruption, the CBI Court, Ahmedabad, on Monday convicted and sentenced Kaushik Anvantrai Karelia, Inspector, Central Excise and Service Tax, Bhavnagar, to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹63 lakh in a disproportionate assets case.
The court also sentenced his wife, Pooja Karelia, to one year of imprisonment with a fine of ₹50,000 for abetment in the offence.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered the case on September 30, 2013, when the accused was serving as an Appraiser/Preventive Officer at the Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ). The investigation revealed that during the check period, the accused had amassed assets far exceeding their known sources of income.
Following a detailed probe, the check period was revised, and the CBI established that the accused had accumulated assets worth ₹57.60 lakh, which was 183.57% disproportionate to their known income. A charge sheet was filed by the CBI on September 3, 2014.
After a full-fledged trial, the Hon’ble Court found the evidence presented by the CBI to be conclusive and pronounced the conviction and sentences accordingly.
This verdict reflects the CBI’s sustained and professional investigation, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency, and integrity in public service.
