Burned Currency and Hidden Cash Recovered in Raid
PATNA: In a dramatic raid that has stunned Bihar, the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the state police unearthed large sums of concealed and burnt cash at the Patna residence of a senior government official.
The EOU launched the search early Friday at the four-story home of Binod Kumar Rai, Superintending Engineer of the Rural Works Department, following a tip-off that he was carrying around ₹5 crore allegedly acquired through illegal means.
According to EOU Additional Director General Nayyar Hasnain Khan, the operation was carried out under DIG Manavjit Singh Dhillon, ASP Kumar Indra Prakash, and DSP-cum-SHO Rakesh Kumar.
“Reliable intelligence suggested that Rai was moving huge sums of unaccounted money. Our team acted swiftly to verify and recover the suspected cash,” ADG Khan said.
Burnt Notes Found in Toilet Pipes
When officers reached Rai’s Patna residence on Bhootnath Road at daybreak, his wife initially refused to open the door, claiming she was alone. As officers pressed further, they reportedly noticed a distinct smell of burning inside the house.
Eventually, with the assistance of women officers from the Agamkuan police station, entry was gained around 9:30 am.
Inside, investigators discovered a startling attempt to destroy evidence. “We found large amounts of burnt and partially burnt ₹500 notes stuffed into the toilet pipes and drains. The drains had clogged, forcing us to call municipal workers to clear them,” an EOU official revealed.
Forensic experts were summoned to preserve the damaged notes and examine the extent of currency destruction.
Cash Found in Water Tank and Documents Seized
The search did not stop there. Officers also uncovered bundles of ₹500 notes hidden inside polythene packets in the household water tank.
In total, the EOU seized ₹52 lakh in cash, gold and silver jewellery worth nearly ₹26 lakh, and a series of insurance and property documents. An Innova Crysta car belonging to Rai was also confiscated.
“Further investigations will probe how the money was acquired and whether it links to irregularities in Rai’s official postings,” an EOU officer said.
Officer and Wife Arrested
During the raid, Rai was found hiding in a ground-floor room. He and his wife were taken into custody, the latter booked for obstructing the search.
“Preliminary investigations point to large-scale corruption. Both Rai and his wife have been arrested, and further questioning is underway,” ADG Khan confirmed.
The probe will also extend to Sitamarhi, where Rai held additional responsibilities, and Samastipur, his hometown. Officials said they are looking into projects handled under his supervision for signs of irregularities.
Wider Crackdown on Corruption in Bihar
The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by the EOU on corruption within state departments. Experts note that hiding money in unusual places — drains, septic tanks, and even water storage systems — has become a tactic for corrupt officials attempting to evade seizure.
The discovery of burnt notes and hidden cash highlights both the scale of alleged corruption and the extreme measures taken to conceal it. The case is expected to widen as investigators trace financial trails linked to Rai’s assets.