What the EOU is
The Economic Offences Unit is a specialised wing of Bihar Police headquartered in Patna. It investigates economic and organised crime that often cuts across districts. It has its own police station, so it can register FIRs directly, and investigations can also be transferred to it from district police.
Cases commonly investigated
- Large cyber and online financial frauds, including inter-state networks
- Leaks of question papers and malpractice in public examinations
- Disproportionate-assets cases against public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act
- Bank, loan and investment frauds, including deposit and chit-fund schemes
- Counterfeit currency and fraud in government schemes
Notices and questioning
For offences punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years, the investigating officer must ordinarily issue a notice of appearance under Section 35(3) BNSS rather than arrest, following Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014) and Satender Kumar Antil v. CBI (2022). A person who complies with the notice should not be arrested unless the officer records reasons. Appear on the date, carry the documents asked for and keep copies of everything handed over.
Arrest and bail
Where arrest is apprehended in a non-bailable offence, anticipatory bail may be sought under Section 482 BNSS, first before the Court of Session and then before the Patna High Court. After arrest, regular bail is sought under Section 483 BNSS. Where a special statute applies, its bail conditions apply too.
Accounts, property and attachment
The EOU may freeze bank accounts and seize property connected with an offence under Section 106 BNSS. In serious cases it may seek attachment of property under Section 107 BNSS, which allows a Magistrate to attach and, later, forfeit proceeds of crime. Money-laundering proceedings by the Enforcement Directorate may also follow.
Challenging the case
Where an FIR does not disclose the ingredients of an offence, or a civil dispute has been given a criminal colour, a petition to quash it may be filed before the Patna High Court under Section 528 BNSS.
Frequently asked questions
Can the EOU take over a case from the district police?
Yes. Investigations can be transferred to the EOU by the police headquarters, usually where a case is large or spans several districts.
About the author
Advocate Vivekanand
Founder & Principal Advocate, Vivekanand Law Firm · MA (English), MBA, LL.B., Author. Full profile
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create an advocate–client relationship. Legal provisions referred to should be verified for your specific situation and the date of the events concerned.