Patna. The Bihar government has suspended two senior IAS officers after allegations of irregularities in government tendering processes triggered a widening investigation into suspected manipulation of public procurement and links between officials and a contractor network. The suspended officers have been identified as Yogesh Kumar Sagar, a 2017-batch IAS officer, and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, a 2014-batch IAS officer.
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Contractor Link Under Investigation
The two officers are accused of allegedly facilitating irregular advantages to contractor Rishu Ranjan Sinha, also known as Rishu Shree, in connection with government tenders. The contractor is said to be linked to Reliable Infra Services, which is now under scrutiny.
Investigating agencies allege that a structured network may have been created to influence tender allocation processes, weaken competition and steer contracts towards selected entities. Preliminary findings suggest that procedural manipulation may have taken place in exchange for undue benefits to officials and intermediaries.
The case has created a political and administrative stir in Bihar, with investigators examining whether the alleged irregularities were limited to specific contracts or formed part of a wider pattern in public procurement.
Europe Trips and Financial Transactions Scrutinised
One of the key allegations under investigation relates to foreign travel arrangements. Investigators have found indications that the contractor allegedly sponsored Europe trips for officials and their family members.
These trips reportedly included luxury hotel stays and air travel expenses running into several lakh rupees. In one instance, the expenditure is estimated at around ₹21.92 lakh, according to documents being examined by probe agencies.
Following the emergence of these allegations, special investigation teams detained Rishu Shree for questioning. Officials said interrogation led to the discovery of multiple financial transactions and suspicious communications, prompting investigators to expand the scope of the probe.
Raids Point to Wider Procurement Network
Sources indicated that raids at the contractor’s premises led to the recovery of cash and high-value jewellery, further intensifying scrutiny of the financial network allegedly linked to the case.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the matter may not be confined to the two suspended bureaucrats. Agencies suspect a broader organised network involving officials, contractors and possible middlemen may have operated within the tendering system.
The state government has reiterated its zero-tolerance position on corruption and irregularities, stating that no individual found guilty will be spared. After the suspensions, administrative restructuring has been initiated in the concerned departments to maintain continuity in public work.
Investigators are now examining financial trails, communication records and procurement decisions. Officials have indicated that further revelations and additional names may emerge as the probe progresses.
