Days after the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) intensified its probe into the alleged Bihar tender scam, senior IAS officer Sanjeev Hans has mounted a strong defence, questioning the very basis of the FIR lodged against him. In a detailed four-page letter addressed to SVU Additional Director General Pankaj Kumar Darad and the Vigilance Commissioner, Hans has argued that the case lacks substantive evidence and rests on allegations that have already failed judicial scrutiny.
The FIR, registered by the SVU on April 30, 2025, names four accused, including Hans, businessman Rishu Shree, Santosh Kumar, and Pawan Kumar, besides unknown government officials. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the award of government tenders and has been filed under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
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Questions Raised Over Evidence and Tender Procedure
In his communication, Hans has contended that the preliminary investigation relies heavily on claims similar to those in an earlier case that was subsequently quashed by the Patna High Court. He further maintained that information shared by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) did not reveal any corruption or procedural irregularity in the tendering process.
Defending his official role, the IAS officer pointed out that tenders valued above ₹3.5 crore are approved collectively by departmental tender committees and cannot be sanctioned unilaterally by the department secretary. He also denied any association with the financial transactions involving the companies mentioned in the FIR and questioned why he had been named an accused without any direct evidence.
Hans further asserted that the projects under scrutiny were awarded after technical evaluation and in compliance with prescribed procedures and World Bank guidelines.
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