Going hard over the corruption, the Bihar government on Saturday (May 30, 2026) suspended two IAS officers in connection with the tender scam allegedly executed by a contractor, Rishu Ranjan Sinha alias Rishu Shree.
Following a raid by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) at the premises of the contractor on May 27, 2026, he was arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and sent to jail. During the raids at his residence, jewellery worth ₹2 crore and ₹2.5 lakh in cash were recovered.
Bihar General Administration Department (GAD) issued two separate letter of suspension dated May 30, 2026 stating that in light of the documents, evidence about charges, and statements received from the Enforcement Directorate (ED)—via the SVU and based on the reported allegations regarding the receipt of money through bribery, commissions, and undue benefits, both IAS officer are placed under immediate suspension in accordance with the provisions the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Bihar cadres IAS officer Yogesh Kumar Sagar is from the 2017 batch, whereas Abhilasha Kumari Sharma is from the 2014 batch. Mr. Sagar was serving as Director (Disability) in the Social Welfare Department, and Ms. Kumari was Additional Chief Executive Officer, JEEViKA in Rural Development Department.
Based on the inquiry conducted by ED, the federal agency wrote to SVU to recommend further action. In November 2025, ED had raided the same premises and recovered jewellery worth ₹2 crore and over 50 sale deeds. According to SVU sources, the contractor sponsored foreign trips for the IAS officers in exchange for securing contracts. He arranged a trip to Europe for Mr. Sagar and eight of his family members.
During the tour, between June 22 and 30, 2024, Yogesh and his family members visited the Austrian cities of Vienna, Salzburg, and St.Wolfgang. They stayed in a luxury hotel, and a total of Rs 21.92 lakh was spent on air travel and accommodation. The bills of hotels, as well as other expenses, were allegedly borne by the contractor.
Mr. Sagar started his career as the Sub-Division Officer (SDO) of Forbesganj in the Araria district. Subsequently, he served as the Municipal Commissioner in Bhagalpur and also as the Managing Director (MD) of Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (BUIDCO) from March 7, 2024, to February 17, 2025.
On the other hand, Ms. Sharma held several key positions in the Bihar government, including the District Magistrate (DM) of Sitamarhi. She also held the post of Joint Secretary in the Finance Department.
According to the SUV sources, she has a garden on the terrace costing ₹9 lakh, and it was reportedly constructed by the contractor. Apart from it, the contractor arranged air travel for her relatives to Goa, Delhi, and Hyderabad, and gave expensive gifts, including an iPhone.
Published - May 31, 2026 03:40 am IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
