Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned senior Bihar IAS officer Santosh Kumar Mall (1997: BH), for nearly eight hours on Thursday in connection with the alleged tender irregularities involving contractor Rishu Shree and associated companies.
The questioning, which began at around 11:15 am and continued until approximately 7:30 pm, focused on tenders approved during Mall’s tenure as Secretary of Bihar’s Urban Development and Housing Department.
Mall, who currently serves as Principal Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, was asked about the awarding of contracts for sewage treatment, drainage and solid waste management projects. Investigators also questioned him about certain WhatsApp conversations recovered during the investigation, including a message that reportedly read, “5 KG mango urgent”.
According to report, Mall denied the WhatsApp conversation referred to during the questioning. The ED has not publicly established the meaning of the message.
ED Examines Tenders for Sewage, Drainage and Waste Management Projects
During the questioning, ED officials reportedly sought explanations about how contracts for various urban infrastructure projects were awarded to particular companies.
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The officer maintained that the contracts had been awarded after following the prescribed procedures.
Investigators also sought details about the tendering and payment processes, including the officials responsible for different stages of approval and execution.
The projects under scrutiny include:
- Sewage treatment infrastructure
- Drainage-related works
- Solid waste management projects
The investigation concerns allegations that contractors, including Rishu Shree and companies linked to him, secured government contracts by allegedly paying commissions to officials.
ED Reportedly Finds Evidence of 5–7% Commission Payments
According to information, investigators found evidence suggesting commission payments of around 5–7 per cent in connection with sewage, drainage and solid waste management projects during the period under examination.
The alleged payments were reportedly made in exchange for awarding contracts to Rishu Shree and companies associated with him.
The ED’s investigation has included an examination of mobile phones, WhatsApp conversations and digital documents recovered from Rishu Shree. These materials are reportedly being scrutinised for evidence of payments and alleged financial benefits extended to officials in connection with the contracts.
The agency is also examining the process through which contracts were awarded and payments released.
Senior IAS Officer Anand Kishore to Appear Before ED
The investigation is continuing, with senior IAS officer Anand Kishore (1996: BH), scheduled to appear before the Enforcement Directorate on Friday, according to the report.
His appearance is expected to form part of the agency’s ongoing examination of the alleged tender irregularities.
The ED is investigating the roles of officials involved in the approval of contracts and the subsequent payment process. However, the allegations and findings reported during the investigation should not be treated as proof of individual wrongdoing unless established through the legal process.
