Patna: The investigation into the alleged multi-crore Bihar tender scam intensified on Wednesday as the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) arrested three government officials accused of involvement in irregularities linked to government contracts and tender allocations. The arrests come as investigators continue their search for senior IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who remains untraceable despite being named in the ongoing probe.
The latest action marks a significant development in the case, which revolves around allegations that government tenders were manipulated to favour select firms linked to contractor Rishu Ranjan Sinha, popularly known as Rishu Shree.
Three Officials Arrested After Questioning
The SVU arrested:
- Mumukshu Choudhary, former Joint Secretary-level officer in the Finance Department
- Tarini Das, former Chief Engineer in the Building Construction Department
- Umesh Kumar Singh, Executive Engineer in the Urban Development and Housing Department
According to sources, the three officials were summoned for questioning by the SVU. Following interrogation and examination of available evidence, investigators decided to place them under arrest.
The accused are expected to be produced before a court, and the agency is likely to seek custodial remand to further investigate financial transactions, property holdings, and possible links with other individuals involved in the alleged scam.
IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans Yet to Be Located
Investigators have also been attempting to trace IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, whose name has surfaced during the course of the probe. Sources indicated that Hans is currently believed to be outside Bihar, making it difficult for the agency to locate him.
His role in the case continues to be examined as investigators widen the scope of the inquiry into alleged irregularities in government tenders and public contracts.
Background: Rishu Shree at the Centre of the Alleged Scam
The tender scam first came under scrutiny after the SVU registered an FIR against contractor Rishu Shree, who has already been arrested.
According to investigators, Rishu Shree allegedly acted as an illegal intermediary and manipulated government procurement processes to secure contracts for his company, Reliable Infra Services.
Probe agencies claim that in exchange for facilitating lucrative contracts, he allegedly provided various benefits and luxury amenities to influential officials, including financing expensive foreign trips to destinations such as Europe and Australia.
Two IAS Officers Already Suspended
Earlier, the Bihar government suspended two serving IAS officers in connection with the case:
- Yogesh Kumar Sagar (IAS:2017:BH)
- Abhilasha Kumari Sharma (IAS:2014:BH)
Both officers are facing allegations related to money laundering and alleged financial irregularities linked to the tender scam.
Their suspension followed investigations conducted by the SVU and other agencies examining the flow of funds and alleged manipulation of government contracts.
Allegations Against the Arrested Officials
Mumukshu Choudhary
Investigators allege that Choudhary played a role in facilitating contracts that benefited firms associated with Rishu Shree during his tenure in municipal bodies.
He had previously come under scrutiny after raids at his premises reportedly led to the recovery of substantial amounts of cash.
Tarini Das
Former Chief Engineer Tarini Das is considered one of the key accused in the case.
Investigating agencies claim that several government construction projects and tenders were influenced to favour particular firms. Earlier Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches at his residence reportedly resulted in the seizure of crores of rupees in cash.
The findings prompted departmental action by the state government.
Umesh Kumar Singh
Executive Engineer Umesh Kumar Singh is accused of accepting bribes from contractors linked to the Rishu Shree Group and facilitating irregular bill payments.
His name surfaced during parallel investigations conducted by both the Enforcement Directorate and the SVU.
Probe Expands Into Financial Transactions
Officials indicated that investigators are now examining the financial records, property acquisitions, banking transactions, and possible undisclosed assets of the accused.
The agency is expected to investigate whether a larger network of officials, contractors, and intermediaries worked together to manipulate public procurement processes and secure undue benefits from government projects.
Major Anti-Corruption Investigation Underway
The alleged tender scam has emerged as one of the most significant corruption investigations currently underway in Bihar. With multiple officials, engineers, contractors, and IAS officers under scrutiny, the case has attracted considerable attention within administrative and political circles.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to intensify efforts to trace IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and uncover the full extent of the alleged tender manipulation and money laundering network.
