Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Wednesday night arrested contractor Rishu Shri in connection with a case involving alleged tender manipulation and money laundering linked to government contracts in Bihar.
An SVU team arrived at his residence in Mithapur, Patna, late at night and took her into custody. He was subsequently interrogated at the SVU office until late into the night.
Sources within the investigative agencies said questioning is continuing based on evidence collected during the probe.
11-Hour Raid at Patna Residence
Earlier on Wednesday morning, SVU officials conducted a raid at Flat No. 5A of Kamat Ramsakhi Enclave in the Mithapur area of Patna.
The search operation reportedly lasted around 11 hours.
During the raid, investigators recovered:
- Jewellery worth nearly Rs 2 crore
- Rs 2.5 lakh in cash
- Property-related documents
- Electronic devices
- Several other documents considered crucial to the investigation
Officials said the seized materials are now being examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.
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Allegations of Tender Fixing and Corruption
The SVU action has been initiated under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators suspect that Rishu Shri benefited his company, Reliable Infra Services, through alleged tender-fixing in multiple government departments.
According to the agencies, the alleged manipulation involved collusion with senior officials and engineers.
Officials believe the matter extends beyond personal relationships and points to a broader strategy aimed at influencing government tender processes.
Bureaucratic and Political Links Under Scrutiny
According to sources, Rishu Shri allegedly maintained close ties with senior bureaucrats, departmental engineers and political figures in Bihar.
Investigators suspect that government contracts and projects were manipulated on a large scale and that money was subsequently routed through shell companies.
Both the SVU and the Enforcement Directorate are now examining the role of officials under whose tenure Rishu Shri’s companies repeatedly secured government contracts.
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High Court Had Declined Relief
The developments come shortly after the Patna High Court dismissed a criminal writ petition filed by Rishu Shri seeking relief in the tender manipulation and money laundering case.
The court declined to interfere with the actions being undertaken by investigative agencies.
Sources said the agencies intensified operations immediately after the High Court’s order.
Questions Over Bureaucrat-Contractor Nexus
The case has reignited debate over the alleged nexus between contractors and bureaucrats in Bihar.
The allegations include:
- Manipulation of government tenders
- Influence through foreign travel
- Accumulation of disproportionate assets
- Laundering of funds through shell firms
Investigative agencies are currently conducting what officials described as a “layer-by-layer” examination of Rishu Shri’s financial transactions, assets and bureaucratic connections.
Sources indicated that further revelations and possible action against additional officials may follow in the coming days if the evidence gathered during interrogation proves substantial.
