Patna: In a significant move to strengthen its anti-corruption framework, the Bihar government has expanded the powers of the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU), enabling inspectors posted in the agency to investigate corruption-related criminal cases without prior approval from a magistrate.
Under the new provisions, SVU inspectors will also have the authority to make arrests without a warrant in corruption cases. The Vigilance Department has issued a notification formalising the decision.
Special Vigilance Unit Additional Director General of Police Pankaj Kumar Darad said that, until now, only officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) were authorised to investigate corruption cases and make arrests.
“Inspectors posted in the SVU will now be able to investigate corruption-related cases. Vacant inspector posts will also be filled soon, which will help expedite investigations into pending cases,” Darad said.
The move comes amid a rise in anti-corruption operations conducted by the SVU in recent months, resulting in an increase in the number of cases registered.
Officials said the decision was taken following demands to grant investigation powers to inspectors on the lines of the Vigilance Department. While disproportionate assets cases will continue to be investigated by DSP-rank officers, trap cases involving bribery will now be handled by inspectors.
SVU Investigating Rishushree Tender Scam
The SVU is currently investigating the alleged tender scam linked to the Rishushree case.
According to official data, the SVU registered a total of 35 cases in 2025, including disproportionate assets and bribery trap cases. By June this year, 26 cases had already been registered.
The agency has set a target of registering and completing investigations in 50 cases during the current year.
At present, the SVU has 10 sanctioned DSP posts, of which eight are filled. Of the 10 sanctioned inspector posts, only three are currently occupied. Officials said the vacant inspector positions would be filled soon.
Economic Offences Police Station Designated as State-Level Cyber Police Station
In a separate development, the Bihar Home Department has designated the Economic Offences Police Station as the state’s cyber police station until a dedicated state-level cyber police station is formally established.
Bihar currently has 44 cyber police stations, but none operates at the state level.
A notification issued by the Home Department stated that, exercising powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the Economic Offences Police Station will function as the state-level cyber police station until further orders.
