CBI raids ASI official's house in TN

A raid conducted at his home allegedly yields assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

CBI has taken into custody an Archaeological Survey of India official, who has royal roots, after a raid conducted at his residence allegedly yielded assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

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The raid was conducted yesterday at the residence of Dilip Bhonsle, a foreman with the conservation wing of Mahabalipuram section of ASI, CBI sources said in Kanchipuram on Wednesday.

Unaccounted cash and several "incriminating documents" were seized during the four-hour-long raid, they said.

The official had been accused of entering into contracts under bogus names for conservation and beautification of monuments, they said adding he was taken into custody for interrogation.
Bhonsle is a descendant of Sarfoji Maharaj, the last ruler of Thanjavur.

"His ancestors were said to be members of Sarfoji dynasty. But that is not our concern. There were allegations that he had amassed wealth by swindling contract funds," an official said.