The Bihar government on Friday dismissed Tarini Das, the Chief Engineer of the Building Construction Department, a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized unaccounted cash from his residence. The ED raid was part of a broader money laundering investigation against senior IAS officer Sanjeev Hans.
A notification issued by the department confirmed Das’ removal and stated that departmental proceedings had been initiated against him. Das had been serving on an extension post-retirement.
Massive Cash Seizure in ED Raids
The ED announced on Friday that it had recovered ₹11.64 crore in cash during fresh searches related to the money laundering probe against Hans. The agency conducted raids at seven locations in Patna on Thursday, targeting several government officials.
Among those raided were:
- Tarini Das, Chief Engineer, Building Construction Department
- Mumukshu Chaudhary, Joint Secretary, Bihar’s Finance Department
- Umesh Kumar Singh, Executive Engineer, Urban Development and Housing Department
Case Against IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans
The money laundering case against Sanjeev Hans, a 1997-batch IAS officer and former Principal Secretary of Bihar’s Energy Department, originates from an inquiry by the Bihar Police vigilance unit. The ED has accused Hans of accumulating illicit wealth through corrupt practices during his tenure in Bihar and while on central deputation between 2018 and 2023.
The investigation is ongoing, and further action is expected as the ED examines the financial records of those implicated in the case.