The Bihar government took significant administrative action by suspending two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. The suspensions came after investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) regarding allegations of tender manipulation, corruption, and money laundering linked to contractor Rishu Shree. Yogesh Kumar Sagar, serving as Director of the Social Welfare Department, and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, Director of the Jeevika project, both faced suspension pending further proceedings.
The ongoing investigation into contractor Rishu Shree led to the officers’ suspension. Allegations of collusion, tender manipulation, and financial misconduct emerged during questioning by enforcement agencies. The state government initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers based on the material collected during the probe.
The Enforcement Directorate’s inquiry revealed that Rishu Shree allegedly built a significant network of influence with the support of certain government officials. The investigation is also looking into allegations of expensive gifts, luxury hospitality, and foreign travel arrangements provided to individuals associated with the officers under scrutiny. Officials are examining documents related to overseas travel, real estate transactions, and assets reportedly valued at several crores of rupees for potential connections to irregularities in government tenders and financial dealings.
The case has attracted attention within administrative and political circles in Bihar as enforcement agencies delve deeper into the alleged network surrounding the contractor. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials stating that further action will be taken as necessary based on evidence collected during the probe.
