Patna: Amid the ongoing interrogation of alleged tender scam accused Rishu Shri, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Friday conducted searches at multiple locations in Patna. These included the residences of suspended IAS officers Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, as well as the premises of a private contractor linked to the case.
Background of the Case
The action was taken in connection with an SVU case registered on April 30 last year under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR alleges that government tenders were manipulated to provide undue benefits to companies linked to Rishu Shri, causing losses to the state exchequer.
Search Operations
Searches began early in the day at Sagar's residence in the IAS Colony at Gardanibagh. Another SVU team simultaneously reached Abhilasha's residence on Nehru Path. Officials found the house locked and entered through the staff quarters to conduct the search. Investigators also searched the residence of Pawan Kumar, director of a private company, in SK Vihar Colony under Beur police station area.
According to investigators, none of the three individuals was present during the searches. Officials said notices would be served to them, giving them an opportunity to appear before the agency and respond to the allegations. The SVU also confirmed that court approval had been obtained before conducting the searches.
Timing of Raids
The raids come at a time when Rishu has been on police remand for the past three days. Investigators have been questioning him extensively regarding the alleged tender irregularities. While officials declined to reveal details of the interrogation, they acknowledged that the ongoing probe and evidence collected so far formed the basis for Friday's searches.
An SVU officer said no major new documents or materials were recovered during the raids. However, investigators maintained that they already possess evidence against the individuals concerned and are working to strengthen the case through further collection of documentary and digital records.
Details of Accused
The FIR names Pawan as an accused. It also mentions IAS officers Sagar and Abhilasha as non-FIR accused. Investigators suspect that the officers played a role in facilitating the award of government contracts to companies associated with Rishu. The Bihar government had earlier suspended both officers following the Enforcement Directorate's findings and the subsequent SVU case.
Officials said evidence has also surfaced against former senior bureaucrat Sanjeev Hans, who remains under the scanner. While the agency declined to comment on the possibility of fresh searches at his premises, investigators indicated that material related to him is being examined as part of the broader probe.
Profiles of Suspended IAS Officers
Sagar, a 2017-batch IAS officer, was posted in the social welfare department. A native of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, he completed his MBBS from King George's Medical University, Lucknow, in 2012 before joining the civil services. During his career, he served as sub-divisional officer of Forbesganj, municipal commissioner of Bhagalpur and managing director of BUDCO between March 2024 and February 2025.
Abhilasha, a 2014-batch IAS officer, was serving as chief executive officer of Jeevika under the rural development department before her suspension. An electronics and communication engineering graduate, she has previously served as district magistrate of Sitamarhi and held key positions in the finance department.
Ongoing Investigation
The SVU said the probe is continuing and that further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered during the searches, scrutiny of financial records and findings from the ongoing custodial interrogation of Rishu.
