The Bihar government on Saturday, 30 May suspended two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers amid an ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) into allegations of tender manipulation, corruption, and money laundering linked to contractor Rishu Shree. The General Administration Department officially confirmed both suspensions, which are pending further disciplinary proceedings.

The Officers Suspended

The two officers placed under suspension are Yogesh Kumar Sagar, a 2017-batch IAS officer serving as Director of the Social Welfare Department, and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, a 2014-batch IAS officer serving as Director of the Jeevika project. Both remain suspended as the state government pursues disciplinary action based on material gathered during the probe.

What the Investigation Revealed

The action follows the arrest and questioning of contractor Rishu Shree, whose interrogation reportedly surfaced details of an extensive influence network allegedly built through collusion with government officials. According to sources associated with the investigation, allegations of financial misconduct and irregular contract awards emerged during questioning by enforcement agencies.

Investigators claim that Rishu Shree allegedly cultivated influence by providing expensive gifts, luxury hospitality, and foreign travel arrangements to individuals connected to the officers under scrutiny. The ED is also examining documents related to overseas travel, real-estate transactions, and assets reportedly worth several crores of rupees.

Scope of the Probe

Multiple financial records, property-related documents, and other materials have been brought under scrutiny as part of the wider investigation, according to sources. Officials are examining whether these transactions are linked to alleged irregularities in government tenders and financial dealings connected to the contractor.

Notably, the probe is being conducted jointly by the ED — which handles money laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act — and the SVU, Bihar's dedicated anti-corruption watchdog, indicating a dual-track approach that could lead to both criminal and departmental consequences for the accused.

Political and Administrative Fallout

The case has drawn significant attention in administrative and political circles in Bihar, with enforcement agencies reportedly continuing to expand their inquiry into the alleged network surrounding the contractor. Officials have stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that further action will be taken if warranted by evidence collected during the probe.

This is among the more high-profile administrative suspensions in Bihar in recent years, involving officers from two distinct development-focused departments — social welfare and rural livelihoods — raising questions about the depth of the alleged nexus.