Saturday, March 29, 2025
Bihar Engineer Burns Crores in Cash During EOU Raid
Patna, August 23, 2025 – A shocking case of corruption has emerged in Bihar, where a senior government engineer was caught attempting to destroy evidence by burning currency notes worth crores of rupees during an overnight raid.
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) raided the Patna residence of Vinod Rai, a Superintendent Engineer in the Rural Works Department, after receiving intelligence that he had transported large sums of cash from Sitamarhi. When officers reached late at night, Rai’s wife stalled them, claiming she was alone at home, forcing the team to wait until morning.
While officers camped outside, Rai allegedly spent the entire night upstairs burning stacks of currency to avoid seizure. By morning, investigators discovered half-burnt bundles of cash scattered across rooms, inside a water tank, and even stuffed down a bathroom pipe. Forensic teams later collected the remains for examination.
Authorities estimate that between ₹2–3 crore in cash was destroyed overnight. Despite this, the raid recovered ₹39 lakh in unburnt currency, along with ₹12.5 lakh in partially charred notes.
The raid also revealed evidence suggesting Rai owns assets worth nearly ₹100 crore. Officials seized 18 land deeds, documents for 15 bank accounts, partnership papers, jewellery valued at ₹26 lakh, insurance policies, and investment records. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to join the investigation.
Rai and his wife were arrested for destroying evidence and obstructing government work. However, his wife later reported health complications and was admitted to a hospital under custody. Additional corruption charges will be filed separately.
Investigators revealed that Rai initially left Sitamarhi with the cash in his car on Thursday night. The EOU tried to intercept him en route to Patna but failed. Once he reached his home on Bhoothnath Road, officers set up surveillance outside overnight—unaware that Rai was inside burning cash the entire time.
This case adds to a growing list of corruption scandals in Bihar, where several senior officials have recently been caught hoarding black money. Forensic examination of the burnt currency is underway, and authorities are preparing to track down Rai’s assets across multiple districts.
