Patna | The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has taken a major step forward in the high-profile Bihar tender scam by arresting Santosh Kumar, a close associate of alleged tender mafia operator Rishushree. The arrest was made in Patna, and investigators believe it could help unravel deeper layers of the suspected network involved in irregularities in government tender allocations. Two IAS officers have already been suspended in the case, while several others remain under the scanner of investigating agencies.
According to officials involved in the probe, Santosh Kumar had been closely associated with Rishushree’s business operations for a long period and played a key role in managing multiple firms allegedly used to influence tender processes. He was reportedly serving as a director in a company named “Matriswa,” which is suspected to have been involved in manipulating tender-related documentation and bidding procedures.
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Investigators said Rishushree had floated multiple companies under different names, including Reliabal Infra and Matriswa, which were allegedly used as vehicles to secure government contracts through questionable means. Preliminary findings suggest that these entities were part of a structured network designed to influence tender outcomes and gain undue financial advantage.
Officials further revealed that these companies were being operated from Supaul, which is believed to have functioned as a control hub for coordinating tender-related activities. Santosh Kumar is said to have been a key operational link within this system, actively involved in both administrative and procedural aspects of the firms.
The investigation has also indicated that Rishushree’s wife, Ritanbhara, was listed as a director in some of these companies, suggesting coordinated involvement within the alleged network. Agencies suspect that the structure was deliberately designed to distribute roles and mask the actual decision-making chain.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also conducting a parallel investigation into financial transactions linked to the case. Officials have reportedly identified several suspicious money flows that may be connected to tender-related irregularities and alleged diversion of funds.
During the probe, investigators recovered significant digital evidence from Rishushree’s mobile phone. Some contacts were reportedly saved under names such as “IAS Bhaiya,” prompting agencies to examine whether these references indicate personal connections or deeper involvement in influencing official procedures.
Officials are now analysing whether any bureaucratic influence was used to manipulate tender approvals or expedite contract awards. The scrutiny has widened to include tender allocation files, approval records, and departmental decision-making processes linked to multiple government projects.
Sources said Santosh Kumar’s interrogation is expected to yield crucial information about the operational structure of the alleged network, including financial arrangements and coordination mechanisms. Investigators are also trying to determine whether the scam was confined to Bihar or had links extending to other states.
The SVU has already suspended two IAS officers earlier in connection with the case over alleged involvement in influencing tender processes. Several other officials are now under active investigation as agencies attempt to map the extent of institutional complicity, if any.
Authorities believe the case may not be limited to financial irregularities alone but could represent a larger organized effort to manipulate public procurement systems. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials indicating that further arrests and disclosures are likely as the probe progresses.
