Patna, May 28: In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has arrested prominent contractor Rishu Shree in connection with alleged irregularities in government tenders and money laundering. This follows an extensive raid at his residence in Patna.
The search operation lasted approximately 15 hours, during which authorities seized assets worth millions and crucial documents. The raid commenced on Wednesday.
According to sources, the SVU recovered jewelry valued at around ₹2 crore, including diamonds, gold, and silver items, along with ₹2.5 lakh in cash, silver utensils, 61 land-related documents, various electronic devices, and important papers linked to financial transactions and properties.
An SVU official stated that a thorough examination of the seized documents is underway, which may lead to further revelations about the alleged scam network.
Investigating agencies accuse the contractor of manipulating the tender process across various government departments to secure contracts unfairly. SVU sources indicate that favoritism and collusion were employed to obtain government contracts.
The investigation has also revealed that some senior officials influenced the tender allocation and, in return, financed trips abroad for certain officials and their relatives. The scope of the investigation is expanding to include departmental officials and employees suspected of having ties with the contractor.
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has already filed a money laundering case against the accused contractor.
Sources suggest that as inquiries progress and evidence is confirmed, action may soon be taken against several government officials and employees.
In the meantime, the accused contractor approached the Patna High Court on Thursday seeking relief. However, the court declined to intervene in the ongoing investigation, strengthening the position of the investigating agencies.
Following the High Court’s decision, the agencies have intensified their scrutiny of the tender allocation processes across various departments.
Leave a Comment