Patna: The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma, in connection with an ongoing investigation into an alleged tender manipulation and corruption network that has already led to the arrest of contractor Rishu Shri.
The action comes as investigative agencies continue to examine allegations that government tenders were influenced through a web of personal favours, luxury trips and financial inducements allegedly provided by the contractor to bureaucrats and public officials.
Both officers are facing scrutiny following an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which reportedly recommended further action to the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU).
Contractor at Centre of Investigation
Rishu Shri, who was recently arrested in Patna and sent to judicial custody, is accused of using his influence within government departments to gain advance access to sensitive tender-related information and secure contracts for preferred firms.
Investigators allege that he cultivated close relationships with senior officials and bureaucrats, enabling him to exert influence over procurement processes across multiple departments.
According to officials, the ED’s findings suggest that favours extended to public servants formed part of a wider scheme aimed at manipulating government contracts and obtaining commercial benefits.
You may like to read this article as well:
Bihar Vigilance Unit Arrests Contractor Rishu Shri in Tender Manipulation and Money Laundering Case
Allegations Against Yogesh Kumar Sagar
Among the allegations under investigation is a Europe trip undertaken by IAS officer Yogesh Kumar Sagar and members of his family in June 2024.
Investigators are examining claims that the expenses for travel and accommodation during the trip were borne by Rishu Shri. The tour reportedly included visits to Vienna, Salzburg and Wolfgang in Austria.
Sagar, a 2017-batch IAS officer currently serving in the Social Welfare Department, has held several important positions in Bihar, including Municipal Commissioner of Bhagalpur and Managing Director of the Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO).
His personal story had previously attracted attention after he spoke publicly about overcoming poverty and hardship to become a civil servant.
Abhilasha Sharma Also Under Scrutiny
Abhilasha Sharma, a 2014-batch IAS officer and Chief Executive Officer of JEEViKA under the Rural Development Department, has also been suspended pending investigation.
She previously served as District Magistrate of Sitamarhi and held key positions in the Finance Department.
Investigators are examining allegations that benefits linked to Rishu Shri were extended to individuals connected to public officials, including expenditure on personal projects and sponsored travel.
No findings of guilt have yet been established against either officer, and the investigations remain ongoing.
Alleged Tender Manipulation Network
According to investigators, Rishu Shri is suspected of obtaining confidential information relating to government tenders before bids were issued and using it to influence outcomes.
Authorities allege that he worked in concert with officials to ensure contracts were awarded to favoured entities, with commissions allegedly being distributed through the network.
The contractor’s name first emerged during investigations linked to senior IAS officer Sanjeev Hans. Since then, agencies have expanded their inquiry into what they describe as a broader corruption and money laundering operation.
You may like to read this article as well:
Bihar’s Rishushree Owned Porsche, Land Cruiser and Dubai Investments, ED Probe Reveals
ED Probing Assets and Financial Transactions
Investigative agencies are also examining the source of assets allegedly linked to Rishu Shri.
According to officials, the ED suspects that substantial wealth was accumulated through contracts connected to government projects, including works under the Swachh Ganga Mission.
The agency is further investigating allegations that financial transactions were routed through informal channels and that attempts were made to obstruct the inquiry.
Authorities claim that Rishu Shri repeatedly sought to avoid questioning and used various means to delay investigative proceedings. These allegations are also being examined as part of the broader probe.
