Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into an alleged tender scam in Bihar, questioning senior administrative officers and examining suspected links between contractor Rishu Shree and government officials.
IAS officer Dharmendra Kumar (IAS: 2013: BH) was questioned by the agency at its Patna office on Wednesday for nearly six hours. Investigators reportedly asked him about his association with Shree, how they came into contact and allegations that the contractor financed foreign travel.
The ED has also summoned five other IAS officers: Anand Kishore (IAS: 1996: BH), Santosh Kumar Mall (IAS: 1997: BH), Yogesh Kumar Sagar (IAS: 2017: BH), Abhilasha Kumari Sharma (IAS: 2014: BH) and Sunil Kumar Yadav (IAS: 2012: BH).
The investigation is examining alleged irregularities in government tendering, suspected financial transactions and whether officials received benefits in exchange for administrative favours.
ED Examines Alleged Links Between Contractor and Officials
According to reports, the ED is probing allegations that Rishu Shree developed contacts within government departments to obtain confidential tender-related information and influence tender conditions.
Investigators are examining whether such access helped favoured contractors secure government projects and whether commissions or other benefits were allegedly provided to officials in return.
The case involves the alleged money-laundering aspects of suspected irregularities in public procurement. The agency is looking into financial transactions and the relationship, if any, between payments, official decisions and the award of government contracts.
The ED has not publicly disclosed the complete details of the statements recorded from the officers or reached any final conclusion about their alleged roles.
Six IAS Officers Questioned or Summoned
The six officers named in reports on the investigation are:
- Dharmendra Kumar: Kumar, a 2013-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, was questioned by the ED for nearly six hours on Wednesday. Investigators reportedly asked about his association with Rishu Shree and allegations concerning foreign travel. Kumar has held senior administrative assignments in Bihar, including responsibilities connected with the state’s bridge construction corporation.
- Anand Kishore: Kishore, a 1996-batch IAS officer, was summoned for questioning as part of the agency’s wider inquiry into administrative decisions and alleged irregularities.
- Santosh Kumar Mall: The 1997-batch IAS officer was summoned by the ED to provide information relevant to the investigation.
- Yogesh Kumar Sagar: The agency is examining allegations concerning foreign travel involving Sagar and members of his family. Reports said he sought additional time to appear.
- Abhilasha Kumari Sharma: The 2014-batch IAS officer was questioned by the ED earlier in the week. Investigators are reportedly examining foreign travel expenses allegedly incurred for Sharma and her family.
- Sunil Kumar Yadav: The IAS officer, who serves as Special Secretary in Bihar’s Labour Resources Department, was also questioned by the ED, according to reports
The officers have been called separately as the agency examines the tendering process, administrative decisions and suspected financial links.
Foreign Travel Expenses Under Investigation
One area under scrutiny is the alleged financing of foreign travel for government officials and their family members.
Reports say the ED is examining a trip to Austria in June 2024 allegedly involving Yogesh Kumar Sagar and members of his family. Investigators are also looking into foreign travel expenses of approximately ₹19 lakh allegedly incurred for Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and her family.
The agency is examining whether these expenses were connected to official favours or the award of government contracts. The allegations have not been established through a final finding, and the purpose and circumstances of the transactions remain matters for investigation.
ED Probes Alleged Payment Linked to Sitamarhi Posting
Investigators are also examining an alleged payment of ₹25 lakh connected with the appointment of Mumukshu Chaudhary to additional charge of Sitamarhi municipal commissioner.
The agency is looking into whether the alleged payment was made to secure the posting and whether it was linked to the wider network of suspected financial transactions under investigation.
The probe also involves assets reportedly valued at ₹265.73 crore. Investigators are examining the financial trail and any possible connections among the assets, foreign travel, government postings and public contracts.
Patna High Court Questions Whether Larger Beneficiaries Are Being Examined
The investigation attracted renewed attention after observations made by the Patna High Court on October 15 during a hearing concerning Rishu Shree’s bail plea.
According to reports, the court questioned what action had been taken against senior officials allegedly connected to the case. It also raised the possibility that Shree might be a relatively small player in a wider alleged arrangement and asked whether those who may have benefited more substantially were being investigated.
The court’s observations brought attention to the question of whether the investigation would establish the roles of other individuals allegedly involved in the tender process.
The ED’s subsequent questioning and summons form part of its continuing inquiry. The court’s observations should not be treated as a finding of guilt against any official.
What Happens Next?
The ED is continuing to examine statements, financial transactions and the circumstances surrounding government tender awards.
The investigation will need to establish whether the suspected payments and benefits occurred, whether they were connected to official decisions and whether the evidence supports further legal action.
For now, the case remains under investigation.
