Patna: The Bihar Police’s Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Friday carried out searches at the residences of suspended IAS officers Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged tender scam that has triggered significant administrative and political attention in the state.
The raids were conducted at multiple locations in Patna and are aimed at gathering documentary and material evidence to support allegations of corruption, abuse of official position, and undue favouritism in the awarding of government contracts.
SVU Teams Conduct Simultaneous Searches
According to officials, SVU teams reached the residences of both officers early in the morning and launched extensive search operations.
Investigators are examining documents, electronic records, financial transactions, and other materials that could help establish links between the officers and the alleged irregularities under investigation.
Sources said both IAS officers were present at their respective residences during the searches.
At the residence of Abhilasha Sharma, officials reportedly gained access through staff quarters as the main premises were found locked when the team arrived.
Officers Suspended Following ED Findings
The searches come days after the Bihar government suspended both officers based on findings contained in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report and a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Special Vigilance Unit police station in Patna.
The state government has also initiated departmental proceedings against the two officers.
Officials said the raids form part of a broader effort to collect evidence related to allegations of corruption and misconduct.
Allegations of Favouring Contractor
Investigators allege that Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma extended undue benefits to a government contractor, Rishu Shree, in connection with government tender processes.
According to the allegations, the officers allegedly received commissions and various benefits in exchange for facilitating favourable treatment in official contracts.
The purported benefits allegedly included:
- Hefty monetary commissions
- Foreign vacation trips
- Expensive gifts for the officers and their family members
- Other personal favours
Authorities are currently attempting to verify these allegations through documentary evidence and witness statements.
Contractor Rishu Shree Under Interrogation
A key figure in the investigation, contractor Rishu Shree, has reportedly been in SVU custody for the past three days.
Officials familiar with the probe said investigators have been questioning him extensively regarding the tender allocation process, financial transactions, and his alleged links with government officials.
Sources indicated that information provided during his interrogation led investigators to conduct Friday’s raids.
The details disclosed by the contractor are believed to have helped the agency identify locations and records relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Searches Conducted at Contractor-Linked Company
Apart from the residences of the IAS officers, vigilance officials also searched premises linked to Pawan Kumar, Director of Matrusava Infra Private Limited.
The company office and associated premises located in SK Vihar Colony near Beur in Patna came under the scanner as investigators sought documents related to government tenders and financial dealings.
Officials are examining:
- Tender-related records
- Contract documents
- Financial statements
- Communication records
- Company transaction details
The objective is to determine whether any irregularities occurred during the awarding and execution of government projects.
Allegations Over Residential Renovation
Among the allegations being examined is a claim that a rooftop garden was developed at Abhilasha Sharma’s residence using funds allegedly provided by contractor Rishu Shree.
Investigators are probing allegations that approximately Rs 9 lakh was spent on the project and that the funds may have originated from the contractor.
Officials are expected to verify financial records, invoices, payment trails, and related documentation as part of the inquiry.
Departmental Proceedings Underway
In addition to the criminal investigation, both IAS officers are facing departmental proceedings initiated by the Bihar government.
Such proceedings typically examine whether government service rules, conduct regulations, or ethical standards were violated.
The outcome of these proceedings may have implications for their future service status and administrative career.
Investigation Continues
The Special Vigilance Unit has not yet disclosed the full extent of evidence recovered during Friday’s searches.
Officials indicated that the seized documents and electronic records will be scrutinised to establish whether any financial impropriety, abuse of authority, or irregularities in government tender processes took place.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to continue questioning individuals connected to the case as they seek to uncover the alleged network of favours, commissions, and contract-related irregularities.
Meanwhile, officials emphasised that the allegations are currently under investigation and that conclusions regarding culpability will depend on the evidence gathered during the probe and subsequent legal proceedings.
