Bihar EOU Launches Special Investigation Team to Examine Tender Irregularities
In a significant move to combat financial misconduct, Bihar's Economic Offences Unit (EOU) has established a dedicated five-member special team to investigate irregularities in government tender processes. This specialized unit, led by a superintendent of police-rank officer, will thoroughly examine complaints related to tender invitations and allocations while simultaneously pursuing multiple ongoing investigations into financial fraud across the state.
Major Mining Scam Uncovered: Rs 350 Crore Loss to Government
During its comprehensive probe, the EOU has uncovered a massive illegal mining operation that allegedly caused approximately Rs 350 crore in losses to the government. Investigators revealed that the mining department's software portal was systematically manipulated to bypass OTP authentication and capping limits through collusion between license holders and officials across 17 districts.
The EOU is currently monitoring 62 FIRs registered in connection with the alleged manipulation of the mining software portal. Officials confirmed that license holders, working in connivance with deputed officers, tampered with the system to bypass capping provisions and illegally increase mining limits, resulting in substantial revenue loss for the government. A cyber police case registered in Patna in October 2025 related to this matter remains under active investigation.
Bank Embezzlement Cases and Additional Financial Frauds
Addressing media at police headquarters on Friday, EOU SP Pankaj Kumar disclosed, "The EOU is investigating a case of embezzlement of Rs 101 crore from the Awami Cooperative Bank, Pirbahore (Patna), and Vaishali (Urban) Government Cooperative Bank." He emphasized that action is being taken to monitor investigations of all 62 FIRs registered regarding massive revenue losses to the mining department.
Investigators have uncovered a conspiracy involving bank officials in connection with the alleged embezzlement. According to officials, branch managers, loan officers, and other employees allegedly colluded to sanction illegal loans in 2025 to siphon off government funds. Charge sheets have been filed against main accused Syed Shahnawaz Wajeeh, then manager of Awami Cooperative Bank, and Rajnikant alias Gopal Prasad, with supplementary investigations continuing.
Exam Paper Leak and Disproportionate Assets Cases
The EOU has also taken decisive action in a question paper leak case linked to Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) exams. "The unit has been actively taking action against various financial scams and exam paper leaks in the state," Kumar stated. In a recent operation, the EOU arrested Sarfaraz Shahid, also known as Jannat Bhaiya, for allegedly leaking question papers of BSEB exams.
According to investigators, Shahid allegedly operated an online and offline coaching institute named Point of Study and sold question papers for classes 3 to 8 through an online channel after collecting payments via UPI or QR code.
In another significant case, Kumar revealed, "Executive engineer of North Bihar Power Distribution Corporation Limited (NBPDCL) Manoj Kumar Rajak was found to have accumulated disproportionate assets, including 31 land deeds, a tea garden, and property in Nepal."
Officials added that two cases involving assets worth approximately Rs 21 crore have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
