Goswami had filed the plea in the court here last Friday. The court rejected it on the ground that prima facie evidence suggested his involvement in siphoning off funds meant for victims of last year's floods.

"The court rejected Goswami's bail petition as it found strong evidence against him in the scam," said the government lawyer.

In his petition, Goswami said he feared that the state vigilance department, which is probing the Rs.170 million scam, would arrest him on false charges.

Goswami, named an Asian hero by Time magazine last year for his work in providing relief to flood victims in the state, is missing.

The vigilance judge had May 31 issued non-bailable warrants against Goswami and eight others, including Santosh Kumar Jha, the alleged kingpin of the scam, who surrendered last week and was sent to judicial custody.

Goswami's father Utpalendu Goswami had last week said his son would surrender before the court if he failed to get anticipatory bail.

Top police officials in the state are trying to get information about Goswami's possible escape to Nepal. The Bihar government is likely to take the help of central agencies to arrest Goswami, officials here said.

The vigilance department had earlier this week alerted international and domestic airports and immigration check-posts to prevent Goswami from leaving the country.

The government plans to enhance the reward money of Rs.100,000 for clues on Goswami's whereabouts.