A very dramatic turn happened when Bihar’s Economic Offences Unit (EOU) uncovered a staggering case involving a senior government engineer accused of amassing massive illicit wealth. Officials say Vinod Rai, a Superintending Engineer with the state’s Rural Works Department, attempted to destroy evidence by burning an estimated ₹2–3 crore in cash overnight as investigators waited outside his residence.
Despite his efforts, investigators seized ₹39 lakh in unburnt currency along with partially charred banknotes, property deeds, and evidence of extensive financial assets. Authorities estimate Rai’s total wealth could exceed ₹100 crore, far beyond the means of his official income.
A Night of Desperation & Deception
The operation unfolded late Thursday night when EOU officials tracked Rai transporting large sums of cash from Sitamarhi to his Patna residence. Acting on a tip-off, officers reached his home but were stalled when his wife claimed she was alone inside, forcing them to wait until daylight.
Throughout the night, Rai allegedly fed bundles of cash into fires, filling his home with smoke. By morning, officials discovered heaps of half-burnt currency stuffed in water tanks, bathroom drains, and plastic bags. Forensic teams later collected the remains for analysis, estimating losses in the range of crores.
Expanding Probe into Assets
During the raid, investigators also recovered 18 property deeds, documents for multiple partnerships, 15 bank accounts, insurance papers, and jewellery worth ₹26 lakh. The findings suggest that Rai controlled a complex web of investments and real estate holdings.
The EOU has filed charges of evidence destruction and obstruction of government work against both Rai and his wife, who was taken into custody but later admitted to a hospital citing ill health. Authorities confirmed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) may soon initiate a parallel money laundering investigation.
Officials believe Rai used his position in the Sitamarhi and Madhubani divisions to accumulate vast wealth over the years. His arrest underscores growing scrutiny of corruption in Bihar’s public works sector.
