Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has formed a dedicated team to trace IAS officer Sanjeev Hans, who is absconding in connection with an alleged tender scam in Bihar.
Officials conducted searches at Hans’s official residence and office on Wednesday, but he was not found. His mobile phone remains switched off, and sources indicated that he is currently not in Patna.
Previous ED arrest and bail
Hans had earlier been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 18, 2024 in a related case and was sent to jail.
Although a chargesheet was filed, the trial court had not framed charges, following which the Patna high court granted him bail on October 16,last year.
Remand plea for key accused
The SVU has sought seven days’ custody of Rishushree, identified by investigators as a key accused in the case. A plea has been filed in court, and the matter is scheduled for hearing on Monday.
Rishushree was arrested on May 27 following raids at multiple premises. Another associate, Santosh, was arrested on June 5.
Probe widens to engineers and officials
The investigation has intensified, with SVU examining the role of around a dozen engineers and administrative officials.
Officials suspect that contracts in departments such as water resources, building construction, urban development and Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) were awarded to Rishushree and linked companies in exchange for alleged commissions.
Pawan Kumar, director of one of the companies under scrutiny, remains absconding.
More names emerge
During questioning, investigators confronted Rishushree and Santosh with forensic banking records and WhatsApp conversations, following which the names of IAS officer Mumukshu Choudhary and officials Umesh Singh and Tarini Das allegedly surfaced.
The three were arrested on Wednesday and are currently lodged in Beur jail along with the other accused.
Another senior IAS officer under scrutiny
Officials said the name of another senior IAS officer has also emerged during the investigation.
Sources said the individual, who is currently abroad, was also named during ED questioning. The SVU is examining possible links and may summon the officer for questioning after their return.
The agency has not made any formal statement on further arrests, but officials said the investigation remains ongoing.
