Part of flood money parked in a Bihar shed

At least five of them—a Toyota Qualis, a Tavera, a Tata Sumo Victa, an Ambassador and a Tempo Trax Cruiser—were brand new and just out of the showroom. They do not even have number plates or registration numbers.

A sixth one, a white Ambassador in the name of Santosh Kumar Jha has a VIP number plate of BR-28C-0001. The police station officer, Dinesh Prasad told The Indian Express that during the interrogation, Jha said that he had bought the car from Sadhu Yadav, RJD MP and Rabri Devi’s brother. Sadhu Yadav has said that he did not know Jha.

Most of these cars were purchased by Santosh Kumar Jha—in his name and also in the name of his close relatives—from September 2004 when flood relief funds from then Patna DM Gautam Goswami’s office began to flow into his account. Documents show that the Tavera was purchased on September 10 by Jha from Gemini Mobiles Pvt. Ltd. in Lucknow.

The seven cars were seized from Jha and 28 of his associates on January 26, 2005 when they came to Madhepur from Patna to show off their money and muscle power after he bagged the LJP ticket.

But the model code of conduct was already in place and the Lakhnour police stopped the motorcade, arrested all the 29 and seized the cars. At least six of Jha’s associates were carrying weapons. Santosh Jha was not carrying any weapon but had cash of Rs.1.25 lakh with him. When asked by the police, Jha reportedly said that the money had been withdrawn from a bank. But neither Jha, nor his local representative R.K. Maharaj, has been able to produce the bank passbook to show the withdrawal. So, the money too is lying with the police station, says Dinesh Prasad.

Earlier on January 26, the Jhanjharpur police station had recorded a case against Jha and his associates for visiting the house of Rupnarayan Jha, the RJD candidate, and threatening him. As per a complaint lodged by a relative of Rupnarayan Jha, Santosh Jha and his men threatened Rupnarayan with dire consequences if he did not withdraw from the contest. He was arrested from Lakhnour and the cars seized. He, however, was allowed to file his nomination papers from custody and was released on February 12, three days before the first phase of polling. His 28 associates continued to be in jail till the first week of March.

When contacted, Divisional commissioner for Darbhanga K.P. Ramaiya, under whose jurisdiction falls Madhubani, said that he was aware of the seizure of Santosh Kumar Jha’s fleet of cars. ‘‘But it is a criminal matter and should be looked after by the district administration.’’

Asked if the purchases could be related to the money siphoned off flood relief funds, Ramaiya said: ‘‘Yes, it is a reflection, an ostensible display of money and wealth amassed by him. But apart from an administrative inquiry, such display of wealth should also attract inquiry by the Income Tax department,’’ he added.

Talking to The Indian Express in Patna on Thursday, Jha denied there was any scam. ‘‘In fact, I chipped in at the right moment and provided relief to lakhs of people,’’ he said. He also refused to talk about the car he reportedly bought from Sadhu Yadav.

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