In a fresh corruption case, a central investigative agency has registered an FIR against Bihar-cadre IAS officer Sanjeev Hans over allegations of accepting a ₹1 crore bribe to influence a decision at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). Hans is among eight individuals named in the case, including businessmen and intermediaries.
According to the investigation, the alleged offence dates back to the period when Hans was serving as Private Secretary to the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. He is accused of misusing his official position to orchestrate a scheme aimed at securing a favourable order for a builder in exchange for a substantial bribe.
Network of 8 accused, deal brokered through intermediaries
Apart from Sanjeev Hans, the FIR names Vipul Bansal, Anubhav Agrawal, Pushpraj Bajaj, Shadab Khan, Devendra Singh Anand, and Mukul Bansal. An unidentified individual linked to a construction firm has also been booked.
Investigators say Vipul Bansal facilitated a meeting between Hans and Anubhav Agrawal, associated with the RNA Group. During this meeting, a deal worth ₹1 crore was allegedly struck to ensure relief for the builder. The network then coordinated the arrangement and transfer of funds.
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Bribe paid in instalments, hawala channels used
The FIR states that the bribe was not paid in a single transaction but routed in multiple instalments. On August 8, 2019, ₹16 lakh was transferred through banking channels from one account to another. Additionally, ₹25 lakh was allegedly delivered in cash via hawala, while the remaining ₹60 lakh is believed to have been routed through similar informal channels.
Investigators claim that multiple intermediaries were involved at different stages to obscure the money trail and avoid detection.
Allegations of influencing proceedings and delaying arrest
The probe further alleges that Hans not only influenced hearing dates at the commission but also helped delay the potential arrest of a promoter linked to the case. In return, he allegedly received the agreed bribe amount. The investigation suggests that the proceedings were strategically managed to benefit the builder.
Use of code words to run the network
According to officials, the accused avoided direct references to financial transactions and instead relied on coded language for communication. Conversations over phone and digital platforms were reportedly conducted using pre-decided terms to mask the nature of dealings.
Case registered under corruption and criminal conspiracy laws
The case has been registered under charges of criminal conspiracy, provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and other relevant sections. Investigators are now working to trace the financial trail, identify hawala operators, and examine the role of other possible suspects.
Sources indicate that more revelations are likely as digital records, banking transactions, and communication evidence between the accused are being closely examined. The case also points towards a broader nexus between bureaucratic influence and business interests, where decisions were allegedly manipulated through money and access.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
