Patna: The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in Patna on Wednesday interrogated former Bihar MLA Bima Bharti for nearly four hours in connection with an alleged attempt to destabilise the NDA government in 2024 through the illegal purchase of JDU MLAs.
The EOU, which is probing the high-stakes horse-trading case, said that while Bharti answered some of the investigators’ questions, many responses were either unsatisfactory or left unanswered. She had earlier failed to appear for questioning on July 21, despite receiving a notice from the agency on July 14.
The investigation relates to behind-the-scenes efforts to break the NDA alliance by buying support from JDU MLAs before a floor test. Bharti, who was a JDU legislator at the time, is alleged to have played a role in the attempted political manoeuvre.
The EOU has also summoned several others in connection with the case, including Parbatta MLA Sanjeev Kumar, Fazle Haq Ansari from Narkatiaganj, and Monu Kumar from Maner, Patna. Notices have been issued for their appearance at the EOU headquarters for questioning.
Earlier, contractor and engineer Sunil Singh, a known associate of Tejashwi Yadav, was interrogated on June 24 for three hours. Investigators believe Singh played a critical role in facilitating the financial transactions aimed at luring legislators. According to EOU sources, funds from sand mafias and other illegal networks were allegedly earmarked to secure the support of MLAs.
Evidence uncovered by the agency has linked the money trail to operatives not only within Bihar but also in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and across the border in Nepal.
The case came to light when JDU MLA Sudhanshu Shekhar lodged an FIR at Patna’s Kotwali police station, alleging that he had been offered Rs 10 crore to vote in favour of the grand alliance. Another MLA, Krishna Murari Sharan, was reportedly offered a ministerial post.
The EOU took over the investigation shortly thereafter and has since identified key players and financial conduits behind the conspiracy. With questioning ongoing and more individuals under scrutiny, the case continues to unravel what authorities describe as a wide-ranging effort to subvert the democratic process through bribery and intimidation.
