Patna/New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a fresh FIR against Sanjeev Hans, a senior Bihar-cadre 1997 batch IAS officer, in a ₹1 crore bribery case involving alleged misuse of official position to secure favourable relief for a Mumbai-based builder.
The new case has been filed under serious provisions related to criminal conspiracy and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigators allege that the money was routed partly through banking channels and partly through the hawala network, with multiple intermediaries involved in transferring funds.
This marks another major legal development for Sanjeev Hans, who is already under scrutiny in other corruption-related matters and is currently serving as Additional Member of the Bihar Revenue Board after his reappointment by the Bihar government in late 2025.
Alleged Bribe Linked to Relief for Mumbai Builder
According to the FIR, the case dates back to the period when Sanjeev Hans was serving as Private Secretary in the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Read Also: Woman Claiming to Be IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans’s Wife Files Complaint in Patna
Investigators allege that during that period he accepted ₹1 crore in exchange for influencing proceedings related to a case before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission involving Mumbai-based firm M/s East and West Builders.
The agency claims that the objective was to secure favourable orders from the Commission and also prevent the arrest of the company’s director.
CBI Links Meeting With Builder Promoter Through Close Associate
The FIR states that Sanjeev Hans allegedly established contact with builder promoter Anubhav Agarwal through his close associate Vipul Bansal.
During a confidential meeting, investigators allege an agreement was reached under which ₹1 crore would be paid in exchange for official influence.
The CBI claims that after the deal, Hans allegedly used his position to ensure hearing dates were arranged favourably and that relief was secured for the builder before the Commission.
Relief Allegedly Included Protection From Arrest
According to investigators, the alleged favour was not limited to legal scheduling.
The FIR states that efforts were also made to ensure protection from arrest for Saranga Agarwal, director associated with the builder entity.
The agency alleges that official influence was used to facilitate both procedural and legal relief connected to the matter.
₹15 Lakh Through Bank Transfer, Remaining ₹85 Lakh Via Hawala Route
The investigation has revealed that the bribe amount was allegedly delivered in multiple installments rather than a single transaction.
According to the FIR, ₹15 lakh was transferred on August 9, 2019, to a Bank of Maharashtra account allegedly linked to Devendra Singh Anand, described by investigators as a close associate of Hans.
The remaining ₹85 lakh was allegedly moved through a combination of cash transfers and hawala channels.
CBI Probing Code Words and Secret Communication
The CBI says several intermediaries were involved in routing the remaining amount.
Among them, Shadab Khan and Pushparaj Bajaj allegedly helped transfer funds through Delhi and Kolkata channels.
Of the ₹85 lakh, investigators say ₹25 lakh was delivered in cash while ₹60 lakh moved through hawala transactions.
The agency has also stated that secret code words were used by accused persons to exchange information and avoid detection.
Eight Accused Named in FIR
Besides Sanjeev Hans, the FIR names seven additional accused:
- Vipul Bansal
- Anubhav Agarwal
- Pushparaj Bajaj
- Shadab Khan
- Devendra Singh Anand
- Mukul Bansal
- East and West Builders
The role of other unidentified persons is also under investigation.
CBI Inspector Aman Rana Leading Probe
Officials said the investigation has been assigned to Aman Rana, who is currently examining financial links, communication trails and transaction routes.
The probe is expected to focus on documentary evidence, account records and hawala linkages across multiple cities.
Sanjeev Hans Currently Holds Bihar Revenue Board Position
Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, Sanjeev Hans currently serves as Additional Member of the Bihar Revenue Board.
After spending nearly ten months in jail in connection with earlier allegations and waiting several months without assignment, he was given the posting by the Government of Bihar in December 2025.
He continues to hold that post at present.
Case Adds to Existing Legal Pressure
The fresh FIR further intensifies legal pressure on the senior officer, who has already figured in high-profile investigations, including allegations related to the Bihar smart meter project.
The new bribery case now brings central investigative attention to alleged misuse of influence at the Union government level as well.
