Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered evidence alleging that two Bihar IAS officers accepted foreign travel funded by a Patna-based contractor in exchange for influence over government tenders.
According to officials, contractor Rishu Shri is accused of arranging a family trip to Austria and other European destinations for IAS officers Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma, reportedly in return for facilitating contracts within state departments. The ED has shared its findings with the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), which has begun the process of taking action.
Sources say the contractor also allegedly paid Rs 9 lakh for rooftop gardening at Abhilasha Sharma’s residence. SVU ADG Pankaj Darad confirmed receiving the ED’s letter, saying the matter has been referred to the Additional Chief Secretary of Vigilance for approval. “Once permission is granted, an FIR will be registered against the officers,” he said.
The allegations surfaced after the ED conducted raids on nine locations linked to Rishu Shri on Wednesday as part of a money laundering probe. Searches were carried out in Ahmedabad, Surat, Gurugram, Delhi, and Patna. Officials say they recovered Rs 3.3 million in cash, digital devices, diaries and documents.
The investigation stems from an FIR filed by the SVU in May 2025 against Shri and several others. The contractor is alleged to have acted as a middleman and paid commission to government officials to secure public works contracts.
Rishu Shri’s name previously appeared in the ED’s probe into alleged financial wrongdoing involving IAS officer Sanjeev Hans. Officials say the inquiry remains ongoing.
