The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) conducted a raid on the Patna residence of Vinod Kumar Rai, a superintendent engineer in the rural works department, as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities. Rai, aware of the impending investigation, purportedly attempted to eliminate evidence by burning cash and concealing funds. The EOU initiated the operation based on information suggesting Rai’s involvement in accumulating cash through illicit means. On August 21st, the EOU received intelligence indicating Rai was transporting a large sum of money in a white Innova vehicle. An SIT was formed to probe the matter. During the raid, authorities discovered evidence of Rai’s attempts to destroy the evidence. Rai had allegedly set fire to bundles of currency notes. The burnt currency and documents were found in the toilet pipes, leading to significant blockages that required municipal intervention. Approximately 39.50 lakh rupees was found hidden in a water tank. The total value of the recovered cash, including the burnt currency, amounted to around 52 lakh rupees. Additionally, investigators seized jewelry valued at 26 lakh rupees, along with insurance policies, property documents, and an Innova Crysta. The assessment of the seized documents is ongoing. Rai has been arrested and is currently being questioned. Babli Rai, his wife, obstructed the investigation and is facing legal action.
