Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the alleged tender scam linked to contractor Rishu Shree, summoning six Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from Bihar for questioning in connection with suspected financial irregularities and money laundering.
The officers summoned by the central investigating agency are Anand Kishor, Santosh Kumar Mall, Dharmendra Kumar, Yogesh Kumar Sagar, Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and Sunil Yadav.
The ED is examining the tendering process, financial transactions, administrative decisions and other circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities. The officers have been called separately as investigators seek information about the functioning of the alleged tender syndicate and the roles, if any, played by different individuals.
The latest development comes after observations made by the Patna High Court on October 15, 2026, during the hearing of a petition filed by contractor Rishu Shree. The court questioned whether individuals allegedly responsible for the larger operation were remaining behind the scenes.
Abhilasha Sharma and Sunil Yadav Questioned; Anand Kishor Summoned for October 30
According to information attributed to ED officials, the agency has already recorded the statements of two officers as part of the ongoing investigation.
IAS officer Abhilasha Kumari Sharma appeared before the ED on Monday, October 26, while Sunil Yadav was questioned at the agency’s office on Tuesday, October 27.
Meanwhile, IAS officer Santosh Kumar Mall has been summoned to appear before investigators on October 29. Anand Kishor has been asked to appear on October 30.
Dharmendra Kumar and Yogesh Kumar Sagar are also among the six officers summoned in connection with the investigation. However, the specific dates of their questioning have not been disclosed in the information available.
The ED is reportedly seeking clarification regarding tender procedures, administrative approvals, financial dealings and decisions taken during the period under investigation.
Although questioning has begun, the agency has not officially disclosed the contents of the statements recorded from the officers.
The issuance of summons is part of the investigative process and does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing by any of the officers.
What Is the Alleged Rishu Shree Tender Scam?
The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in government tender processes linked to contractor Rishu Shree. The case was originally registered in 2023, and the Enforcement Directorate has been examining its suspected money-laundering dimensions.
Investigators are looking into how tenders were processed, whether irregularities occurred in the award or execution of contracts, and whether financial transactions associated with the alleged activities involved unlawful proceeds.
The agency is also examining the administrative decision-making process and the possible involvement of individuals who may have influenced tender-related activities.
The questioning of IAS officers is intended to help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events, examine relevant official decisions and establish whether any larger network operated behind the alleged irregularities.
At this stage, the precise roles of the officers and the extent of any alleged involvement have not been publicly established.
Patna High Court’s October 15 Observations Bring Fresh Attention to Case
The ED investigation gained renewed attention following observations made by the Patna High Court on October 15 while hearing a petition filed by Rishu Shree.
During the proceedings, the court reportedly observed that Rishu appeared to be more of a “pawn”, while those allegedly directing the operation remained behind the curtain.
The court also raised questions about whether individuals who played a more significant role in the alleged money-laundering case were operating behind the scenes.
These observations brought renewed focus to the possibility of a wider network of individuals associated with the alleged tender irregularities.
However, the court’s observations should not be interpreted as findings of guilt against any particular officer or individual. The allegations and the involvement of those under scrutiny remain matters for investigation and legal determination.
ED Examines Tender Decisions and Financial Transactions
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation is focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged scam, including the process through which tenders were handled and the financial transactions connected with them.
Investigators are seeking details about official decisions made during the relevant period, the administrative procedures followed and any circumstances that may help determine whether the alleged irregularities were part of a larger arrangement.
The separate questioning of the six IAS officers is expected to provide the agency with information that can be examined alongside documentary and financial evidence.
The ED has not publicly released the detailed statements of the officers questioned so far, nor has it disclosed findings establishing their involvement in any alleged offence.
Investigation Continues as More Officers Await Questioning
With two officers reportedly questioned and additional appearances scheduled for October 29 and 30, the ED’s investigation into the alleged tender scam is continuing.
The questioning of senior administrative officers has brought the case into sharper focus, particularly following the Patna High Court’s observations regarding the possibility of influential individuals operating behind the alleged irregularities.
Further developments will depend on the evidence collected, the statements recorded and the findings of the investigating agency.
For now, the summons and questioning remain part of an ongoing investigation, and no conclusion regarding the culpability of the six officers can be drawn solely from their appearance before the ED.
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