In a major administrative action, the Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers with immediate effect following their alleged links to an ongoing tender scam being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU).
The suspended officers are Yogesh Sagar, Director of the Social Welfare Department, and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, Director of the JEEViKA project. The action comes after the arrest of alleged tender mafia kingpin Rishu Ranjan Sinha, who is accused of influencing government contracts across multiple departments.
Investigators allege that Rishu Shri cultivated close ties with senior officials and facilitated benefits in exchange for favours related to government tenders.
ALLEGATIONS OF FAVOURS AND ILLEGAL BENEFITS
According to officials, Yogesh Sagar is accused of receiving benefits in the form of sponsored European trips for himself and his family members. Abhilasha Kumari Sharma allegedly received home improvement and beautification work worth nearly ₹9 lakh at her official residence, including rooftop landscaping. Investigators also claim that travel expenses for some of her relatives to various cities were borne by Rishu Shri.
The case gained momentum after the ED uncovered financial and documentary evidence allegedly linking the accused to influential bureaucrats. Following the findings, the matter was transferred to the SVU for a detailed probe.
During raids conducted at properties linked to Rishu Shri, authorities reportedly recovered cash, jewellery worth crores of rupees, documents, and electronic devices. Investigators suspect that the accused manipulated tender processes to benefit his companies and preferred contractors.
The Bihar government has initiated departmental proceedings against both officers while suspending them from service. Officials say the ED and SVU investigations are continuing, and more names could emerge as the probe expands.
