Patna: Central investigative agencies have intensified action soon after the Bihar Assembly elections, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducting simultaneous raids at nine locations linked to Patna-based contractor Rishu Shri. Searches were carried out on Tuesday in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gurugram and New Delhi as part of a money laundering investigation.
The ED said it recovered digital devices, several diaries and incriminating documents, along with Rs 33 lakh during the raids. The searches form part of a wider probe into alleged commissions and kickbacks paid to secure government contracts in Bihar.
Rishu Shri, a prominent contractor, and his firms have worked on projects for multiple state government departments, including Water Resources, Public Health Engineering (PHED), Education, Urban Development and Housing, Building Construction and Rural Works. Investigators allege that his companies paid significant commissions to officials in exchange for contract awards.
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In June, the ED raided Rishu’s premises in Patna and claimed to have uncovered evidence of collusion with government officials. The agency had earlier searched several travel agents and residential premises of officials in March, seizing Rs 11.64 crore in cash along with documents and digital evidence.
Following the March raids, the ED wrote to the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) seeking a separate inquiry. In August, the agency provisionally attached assets worth Rs 68.09 crore belonging to Rishu Shri, his family members and associated entities.
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Rishu’s name first emerged in connection with investigations involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, with allegations that he floated companies in the names of associates to corner government tenders. The ED said further investigation into the network of contracts, payments and beneficiaries is ongoing.
