Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered fresh details in its investigation into contractor Rishushree, who was arrested in connection with an alleged commission and bribery racket linked to government tenders in Bihar.
According to investigative agencies, Rishushree was not only involved in managing tender allocations but also allegedly operated a wider network aimed at laundering illicit earnings of government officials through real estate and other investments.
Alleged Tender Manipulation Under Scrutiny
According to the FIR, Rishushree allegedly assisted select companies in securing government tenders and later ensured that his own firm was included in the same projects as a sub-contractor.
Investigators claim that inflated and fabricated bills were then generated through these arrangements to disguise alleged bribe payments as legitimate business transactions.
The ED alleges that this mechanism was used to route and legitimise illegal funds.
Probe Focuses on Cash Transactions and Investments
The agency has stated that bribe money was allegedly delivered to officials in cash, after which Rishushree and his associates handled its investment and management.
Officials involved in the investigation suspect that assets belonging to several senior government officials were managed through this network.
The ED is currently examining financial records, investment documents, and related transactions linked to the accused.
Overseas Investments and Foreign Travel
According to the ED, the investigation has revealed possible investments outside India, including in Dubai and other foreign markets.
Investigators suspect that overseas channels may have been used to conceal funds allegedly generated through corruption.
Documents and mobile phone data seized during raids reportedly indicate that Rishushree frequently travelled to Dubai and several European countries over the past five to six years, often staying abroad for extended periods.
Multiple Departments Under Investigation
Based on statements recorded and documents recovered during the probe, officials from several Bihar government departments have come under scrutiny.
Investigative agencies are examining financial transactions linked to officials associated with the Water Resources Department, Urban Development Department, Building Construction Department, and Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL).
No official statement regarding individual culpability from these departments has been issued so far.
Luxury Assets and Real Estate Holdings
The ED claims that Rishushree accumulated assets worth several crores within seven to eight years.
Apart from alleged real estate investments in the Delhi-NCR region, investigators have also identified ownership links to two petrol pumps located in Patna and Hajipur.
The probe has further revealed ownership documents related to several luxury vehicles, including a Porsche Macan, BMW cars, a Discovery Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser, and a BMW R nineT Scrambler motorcycle.
According to investigators, most of these purchases were made between 2022 and 2024.
Investigation Continues
The ED is currently conducting a detailed examination of bank accounts, foreign travel records, and property-related documents linked to the accused.
Officials associated with the investigation believe further revelations regarding the alleged network and financial transactions may emerge as the probe progresses.
