The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar has recovered Rs 2.8 lakh in cash, jewellery valued at around Rs 6 lakh and documents linked to 10 plots worth approximately Rs 3 crore during searches at the premises of Kishanganj district programme officer Ruby Kumari and her husband Gaurav Kumar.
The searches were conducted at four locations on Tuesday after an FIR was registered against the couple on November 2 in connection with a disproportionate-assets case. The locations included Ruby Kumari’s ancestral residence and a private property in Officers Colony, Katihar, her government office in Kishanganj and rented premises in Line Para, Kishanganj.
According to EOU DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon, preliminary evidence indicated that the couple had allegedly accumulated assets around 87.49% beyond their known legal sources of income. The searches were carried out after warrants were obtained from the Special Court of Vigilance in Patna and were led by officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police rank.
Investigators said the seized documents included papers relating to nine properties named in the FIR and one additional plot. The documents indicated that the combined value of the 10 plots was around Rs 3 crore, according to the EOU officers cited in the report.
The agency also found a newly constructed five-storey building spread across approximately eight decimals of land in a prime area of Katihar. Renovation work was reportedly under way at the property. An EOU officer said several crores of rupees appeared to have been spent on its construction, although the exact value will be determined through a formal assessment.
An SUV was also recovered from Ruby Kumari’s residence. Investigators have alleged that the vehicle was being held as benami property. The agency said the documents and other materials seized during the searches were being scrutinised, while the properties and other assets were being assessed. The EOU added that the value of the alleged disproportionate assets could increase as the scrutiny progresses.
The case was registered at the Economic Offences Police Station under Sections 49 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Section 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. The competent authority has been informed about the case.
Ruby Kumari joined the education department after being selected for the Bihar Education Service through the 56th to 59th Combined Competitive Examination conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission in 2018. She received her first posting in Purnia in 2019, became district programme officer in Katihar in 2023 and has served as DPO for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Kishanganj since 2025.
Her husband, Gaurav Kumar, joined Indian Railways in 2004 as a Group C Loco Sahayak and is currently posted at Katihar railway station. The EOU’s investigation and formal assessment of the seized properties and other assets are continuing.
