Enforcement Directorate Search Operations in Patna Corruption Case.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office, conducted extensive search operations across multiple cities—Ahmedabad, Surat, Gurgaon, and New Delhi—on 25 November 2025 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The searches pertain to alleged corruption and illicit tender manipulation involving Patna-based contractor Rishu Shree, who is accused of maintaining a nexus with government officials for obtaining contracts through unlawful means for personal gain. During the raids, ED seized approximately ₹33 lakh in cash, digital devices, diaries, and several incriminating documents. The investigation stems from a Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) FIR alleging large-scale corruption, disproportionate assets, and money laundering involving multiple Bihar Government departments. The case has previously led to significant cash seizures and provisional attachment of assets worth ₹68.09 crore.

Background:

The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR lodged by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) against contractor Rishu Shree and others.

Rishu Shree and his firms operate as contractors and subcontractors in several Bihar state departments, including:

Water Resources

Health

Public Health Engineering

Urban Development

Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO)

Education

Building and Construction

Rural Works Department

He is alleged to have colluded with various government officials to secure tenders illegally for personal enrichment.

Earlier search operations in this case targeted travel agents and residences of several government officials in Patna.

Those operations resulted in the recovery of approx. ₹11.64 crore in cash, besides incriminating documents and digital evidence.

On 1 August 2025, ED provisionally attached assets worth ₹68.09 crore belonging to Rishu Shree, his family, and associated entities.

The latest search operations on 25 November 2025 have further led to the seizure of cash, documents, and electronic evidence relevant to money laundering activities.

Authority’s Observations:

1. The ED stated that the searches were part of an ongoing effort to uncover proceeds of crime generated through manipulation of government tenders in Bihar.
2. The materials recovered, including cash, diaries, and digital devices, are considered significant to expose the nexus between the contractor and corrupt officials.
3. The scale of assets already attached and cash recovered in earlier raids reflects the seriousness of the alleged money laundering operations.
4. The agency has emphasized that further investigation is ongoing to trace additional proceeds of crime and identify all persons involved.

Legal Provisions Discussed:

1. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 – Conduct of searches, seizure of property, investigation into proceeds of crime, and attachment of assets.
2. Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) – Original FIR forming the basis of the ED investigation.

Citation: ED/PR/26.11.2025

Case: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office – Search Operations Relating to Contractor Rishu Shree

Authority: Directorate of Enforcement, Government of India

Date of Release: 26 November 2025

Proceedings Under: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002