SVU arrests contractor in money laundering case

Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has arrested contractor Rishu Shri in connection with an alleged tender manipulation and money laundering case. He was taken into custody from his Mithapur residence late on Wednesday night, questioned at the SVU office and later produced before the vigilance court, which remanded him in Beur Jail.

SVU additional director general Pankaj Kumar Darad said the accused was arrested on May 27 in connection with a case registered on Apr 30, 2025. During the investigation, it emerged that Rishu misused his influence in the water resources department to secure tenders on commission. The work was later transferred to an employee linked to a private company.

“The probe also revealed that Rishu allegedly paid bribes to govt officials in the water resources department, building construction department, urban development & housing department, and Buidco to secure tenders for his companies,” Pankaj said.

Acting on information that he was planning to leave the country and could tamper with evidence, the SVU conducted a raid at his flat after obtaining a court warrant.

During the search, officials seized Rs 2 crore in cash and gold, silver and diamond jewellery estimated to be worth Rs 2 crore. Several documents, investment records, bank details and original papers related to 47 land purchases were also recovered.

An Enforcement Directorate report submitted six months ago had alleged that Rishu funded foreign trips and other expenses of two IAS officers and their family members in return for securing govt contracts.