Bihar’s Special Vigilance Unit has filed a nearly 4,000-page chargesheet in a tender scam case, naming seven accused, including IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, contractor Rishushree and several officials and associates. Investigators have alleged irregularities in the award of government contracts, approval of bills and execution of public projects, along with bribery and commission payments.
IAS Officer Named in Chargesheet
Addressing a press conference, SVU Additional Director General Pankaj Kumar Darad said five of the seven accused are currently in judicial custody, while IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and Pawan Kumar remain absconding. Efforts to trace and arrest both are continuing.
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According to the chargesheet, Sanjeev Hans, who served as Secretary of the Water Resources Department, is accused of irregularities in the establishment of a Physical Modelling Centre in the Kosi Barrage Circle.
Investigators allege that Hans accepted bribes from contractor Rishushree and others and improperly influenced departmental procedures linked to the project.
Contractor Accused of Securing Tenders Illegally
Contractor Rishushree has been named as one of the principal accused in the case. The investigation alleges that government contracts were obtained through unlawful means and that commissions ranging from 2 per cent to 3.5 per cent were paid to public officials.
According to investigators, the alleged commissions were paid for securing tenders and obtaining approval of bills submitted by companies linked to the accused.
The chargesheet also names Mumukshu Kumar Chaudhary, former Joint Secretary in the Finance Department and former Municipal Commissioner of Sitamarhi and Saharsa. He is accused of awarding a contract worth approximately ₹10 crore to Rishushree while serving as Municipal Commissioner and allegedly receiving bribes in return.
Officials and Associates Under Probe
Retired Chief Engineer Tarini Das has been accused of awarding more than ten construction tenders to Rishushree and allegedly receiving commissions of 2 per cent to 3 per cent. Earlier enforcement actions reportedly led to the recovery of ₹8.57 crore in cash from premises linked to him.
Executive Engineer Umesh Kumar Singh of the Urban Development and Housing Department has also been accused of accepting a 1 per cent commission for facilitating drainage pumping station works and other contracts awarded to Rishushree. Investigators had earlier claimed that ₹1 crore in cash was recovered from his residence.
Pawan Kumar and Santosh Kumar have been identified in the chargesheet as close associates of Rishushree. Investigators allege that the two used M/s Matriswa Construction and Infrastructure Company to obtain contracts from the Water Resources Department and other government agencies. They are also accused of acting as intermediaries in the transfer of alleged bribe payments to public officials.
The SVU said the chargesheet is based on documentary evidence, financial transaction records, witness statements and information gathered from multiple investigative agencies. The probe remains ongoing, with authorities continuing efforts to apprehend the absconding accused and examine additional aspects of the alleged financial network.
