Authorities in Patna conducted a raid on the residence of Vinod Kumar Rai, a superintendent engineer with the rural works department, following suspicions of financial misconduct. Upon learning of the investigation, Rai allegedly attempted to destroy evidence by burning large amounts of cash. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) launched an investigation after receiving intelligence about Rai’s activities. On August 21st, information was received indicating that Rai was transporting a substantial sum of cash in a white Innova car. An SIT, comprised of police officials, was formed to verify the information. The raid on Rai’s residence revealed a scene of attempted destruction. Rai reportedly burned bundles of cash, and the remnants of the burnt currency, along with documents, were found in the house’s toilet pipes, causing extensive blockages. Municipal workers were called in to clear the drains. Authorities recovered approximately 39.50 lakh rupees hidden in a water tank. Furthermore, after including the burnt currency, the total recovered cash amounted to about 52 lakh rupees. Investigators also seized jewelry valued at 26 lakh rupees, along with documents related to insurance policies, property, and an Innova Crysta car. The seized documents and policies are currently under evaluation. Rai has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Babli Rai, Rai’s wife, has also been implicated for obstructing the investigation and is facing legal charges.
