Bihar Tender Scam Probe Intensifies: SVU Raids Homes of Suspended IAS Officers Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma
Bihar’s Special Vigilance Unit has raided the residences of suspended IAS officers Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma in connection with an alleged tender scam. The investigation involves accusations of commissions, foreign trips, expensive gifts, and undue favours linked to government contracts.
The Bihar government’s crackdown on alleged corruption in public contracting gathered momentum on Friday as the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) carried out extensive searches at the residences of suspended IAS officers Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma in connection with a high-profile tender scam investigation.
The coordinated raids mark a significant escalation in a case that has already generated considerable attention within Bihar’s administrative and political circles. Investigators are probing allegations of corruption, abuse of official position, preferential treatment in government tenders, and the alleged exchange of favours between senior government officials and a private contractor.
Officials familiar with the investigation said the searches were aimed at gathering documentary, digital and financial evidence that could help establish whether irregularities occurred during the award and execution of government contracts.
The development comes just days after the Bihar government suspended both officers and initiated departmental proceedings against them following findings contained in reports prepared by investigative agencies.
Simultaneous Searches Conducted Across Patna
According to officials, multiple SVU teams launched coordinated operations at various locations in Patna early Friday morning.
Search teams arrived at the residences of both Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma and began detailed examinations of documents, electronic devices, financial records and other materials considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Sources indicated that both officers were present at their respective residences when the vigilance teams arrived.
Investigators reportedly spent several hours examining records and collecting materials that could provide insight into financial transactions, official decisions and interactions linked to the alleged tender irregularities.
At Abhilasha Sharma’s residence, officials reportedly entered through the staff quarters after finding the main premises locked at the time of their arrival.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of senior vigilance officials as part of a broader effort to strengthen the evidentiary foundation of the case.
Suspensions Follow Enforcement Directorate Findings
The raids follow a series of developments that have steadily intensified scrutiny on the two IAS officers.
The Bihar government recently ordered their suspension after reviewing findings contained in an Enforcement Directorate (ED) report as well as a First Information Report registered at the Special Vigilance Unit police station in Patna.
Alongside the suspensions, departmental proceedings were initiated against both officers.
Government sources indicated that the decision was taken after preliminary material suggested the need for a deeper examination of allegations involving official misconduct and possible corruption.
The ongoing investigation seeks to determine whether public office was misused to extend benefits to private entities involved in government projects.
Allegations of Preferential Treatment in Tender Allocation
At the centre of the controversy are allegations that Yogesh Sagar and Abhilasha Sharma extended undue benefits to contractor Rishu Shree in connection with government tender processes.
Investigators are examining claims that the contractor allegedly received favourable treatment in the award and execution of contracts in exchange for various benefits provided to the officers.
According to allegations currently being examined by the authorities, the purported benefits included substantial monetary commissions, luxury gifts, foreign vacations and other personal favours.
Officials stress that these allegations remain under investigation and that evidence is still being collected to establish whether any wrongdoing actually occurred.
However, the seriousness of the accusations has prompted multiple agencies to intensify their scrutiny of the individuals and entities involved.
Focus Turns to Contractor Rishu Shree
A crucial figure in the investigation is contractor Rishu Shree, whose alleged relationship with the suspended officers has become a major focus of the probe.
Sources said Shree has been in Special Vigilance Unit custody for several days and has undergone extensive questioning regarding tender allocation procedures, financial dealings and his interactions with government officials.
Investigators are reportedly examining whether financial benefits or other advantages were exchanged in return for favourable decisions in public procurement processes.
According to officials familiar with the case, information obtained during the contractor’s interrogation played a significant role in shaping Friday’s search operations.
Certain disclosures allegedly made during questioning are believed to have helped investigators identify locations, records and individuals requiring further examination.
Company Linked to Investigation Also Comes Under Scanner
The vigilance operation was not limited to the residences of the suspended officers.
Investigators also conducted searches at premises linked to Pawan Kumar, Director of Matrusava Infra Private Limited.
The company’s office and associated properties located in SK Vihar Colony near Beur in Patna were searched as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Officials are examining a wide range of documents, including:
Tender-related records
Government contract files
Financial statements
Communication records
Business transaction details
Internal company documentation
The objective is to determine whether procurement norms were followed and whether any irregularities occurred during contract allocation or project execution.
Investigators are expected to compare company records with government files to identify any discrepancies or unusual patterns.
Rooftop Garden Allegation Under Examination
One of the more striking allegations under investigation relates to the reported development of a rooftop garden at the residence of IAS officer Abhilasha Sharma.
According to sources associated with the inquiry, investigators are examining claims that the project was financed using funds allegedly provided by contractor Rishu Shree.
The amount being scrutinized is reportedly around Rs 9 lakh.
Officials are now examining invoices, payment records, contractor bills and banking transactions to determine whether there is any evidence supporting the allegation.
The inquiry will seek to establish the source of funds, the manner in which payments were made and whether any conflict of interest existed.
Investigators are expected to rely heavily on documentary evidence before drawing any conclusions.
Departmental Proceedings Running Parallel
While the criminal investigation continues, the Bihar government has simultaneously initiated departmental proceedings against both officers.
Such proceedings are conducted under service rules and focus on whether government conduct regulations, ethical standards or administrative guidelines may have been violated.
The departmental process operates independently of the criminal investigation and can result in administrative consequences regardless of the outcome of judicial proceedings.
Experts note that disciplinary inquiries often involve scrutiny of official conduct, decision-making processes and adherence to service norms.
The findings of these proceedings could have significant implications for the future careers of the officers involved.
Evidence Collection Remains Ongoing
Officials have not yet disclosed the complete details of the materials recovered during Friday’s searches.
Sources suggest that investigators seized documents, electronic devices and records that will now undergo detailed examination.
Forensic analysis of digital evidence may also be undertaken to trace communications, financial transactions and interactions among individuals connected to the case.
Authorities are expected to continue questioning witnesses, examining official files and verifying financial trails in the coming weeks.
Investigators will seek to establish whether any commissions, gifts, foreign travel arrangements or other benefits were linked to government contract decisions.
One of Bihar’s Most Closely Watched Corruption Investigations
The alleged tender scam has quickly evolved into one of Bihar’s most closely monitored administrative investigations of 2026.
The involvement of senior IAS officers, a government contractor and allegations of financial favours has attracted widespread public interest and intensified demands for transparency.
At the same time, officials have emphasized that the investigation remains at a crucial stage and that all allegations are currently being examined.
No final conclusions regarding culpability have been reached, and investigators continue to gather evidence before determining whether criminal charges, disciplinary penalties or additional legal action may be warranted.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the Special Vigilance Unit’s probe as it seeks to uncover the truth behind allegations of commissions, gifts, foreign trips and preferential treatment in Bihar’s government contracting system.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical as investigators analyze the evidence collected during the raids and continue their efforts to establish whether public office was improperly used to benefit private interests.
