Patna, June 19 (IANS). The investigation into Bihar’s high-profile Rishu Shree tender scam gained momentum on Friday. In this sequence, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) simultaneously raided several places linked to suspended IAS officers and a private contractor in Patna.
Searches were also conducted at the residences of suspended IAS officers Abhilasha Sharma and Yogesh Sagar as well as premises belonging to Pawan Kumar, director of Matri Seva Infra Pvt Ltd.
A team of SVU reached the government residence of Yogesh Sagar in Gardenibagh Colony early in the morning and conducted a massive search operation.
Officials examined documents, electronic devices and records related to government contracts and financial transactions.
Several documents were seized for further investigation.
Another team raided Abhilasha Sharma’s Nehru Path residence at the same time.
According to sources, the house was locked when investigators arrived.
The team later entered through the staff quarters and started searching.
It is being told that neither Sharma nor Sagar were present during this campaign.
The investigators searched various rooms and examined files, digital devices and records believed to be related to the government tender allotment.
SVU also searched places associated with Pawan Kumar in Vihar Colony, Beur.
The investigators are examining company records, financial documents and files related to government tenders awarded to Maitre Seva Infra Pvt Ltd.
Officials suspect that the seized material may yield vital evidence related to financial transactions and alleged irregularities.
According to investigators, the investigation focuses on allegations that some government officials helped companies linked to prime accused Rishu Shree get government contracts.
In return, huge bribes were allegedly exchanged.
After this alleged scam came to light and the FIR was filed by SVU, the Bihar government has suspended both the IAS officers pending investigation.
Meanwhile, the main accused Rishu Shree is in the custody of the investigating agencies, and is being intensively interrogated for the last several days.
According to sources, based on the information received during his interrogation, the investigators have expanded the scope of the investigation and are thoroughly probing the roles of officials, contractors and other persons allegedly connected to the case.
The investigating agencies are currently analyzing the documents, electronic records and financial evidence collected during the raids.
Officials say that complete details of the alleged network and any irregularities will be revealed only after the investigation is completed.
The search operation is ongoing and further action is expected based on the evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.
–IANS
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