Two Bihar IAS officers suspended in Rishu Shri money laundering probe

The Bihar government has suspended two IAS officers in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Rishu Shri money laundering and tender irregularities case. The officers are Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma.

Yogesh Kumar Sagar was serving as Director in the Social Welfare Department, while Abhilasha Kumari Sharma was the Director of the JEEViKA project.

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The General Administration Department confirmed on Saturday that disciplinary action has been taken against both officers. The notice reveals that the action follows findings of alleged misconduct and links to irregularities uncovered during the investigation.

The case centres on contractor Rishu Shri, who was recently arrested by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on charges related to tender manipulation and money laundering. Investigators claim that subsequent inquiries uncovered a network through which illegal payments, including bribes and commissions, were allegedly routed and shown as legitimate business transactions.

Rishu Shri is suspected of operating the network with the support of certain officials. Authorities allege that the arrangement was used to conceal the movement of illicit funds under the guise of regular commercial dealings.

Investigators have alleged that expenses for trips undertaken by some of Abhilasha Kumari Sharma’s relatives to Goa, Delhi and Hyderabad were borne by him. Evidence suggesting that Sharma received costly gifts, including iPhones, from Rishu Shri, have also been found.

Similarly, Rishu Shri’s company paid for an Australia trip involving eight relatives of Yogesh Kumar Sagar. The expenses allegedly included travel-related hospitality and other costs. Authorities estimate that more than Rs 40 lakh was spent by Rishu Shri on the two officers and their associates.

The probe has also focused on the tendering process. Investigators allege that after helping selected firms secure government contracts, Rishu Shri would arrange for his own company to be appointed as a subcontractor. Inflated invoices were then allegedly generated to mask commission and bribe payments as routine business expenditures.

The investigation has reportedly uncovered records relating to foreign travel, property investments and assets worth several crores of rupees. Agencies further allege that Rishu Shri was involved in handling property-related matters for certain senior officials, both within India and abroad.

Investigators are now examining whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged network.