Patna: The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Wednesday carried out simultaneous raids at the premises of four government officials in connection with the alleged Bihar tender scam, arresting three officials while senior IAS officer Sanjeev Hans could not be traced.
According to officials, SVU teams searched both the official residence and office of Hans at the Board of Revenue. However, he was not found at either location. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate him and further searches are being conducted.
Three Officials Sent to Judicial Custody
The officials arrested during the operation were Tarini Das, former Chief Engineer of the Building Construction Department; Mumukshu Kumar Chaudhary, Joint Secretary in the Finance Department; and Umesh Kumar Singh, an Executive Engineer in the Urban Development Department.
All three were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days at Beur Jail.
Investigation Reveals Alleged Commission Network
The latest developments stem from the investigation into statements made by Rishu Ranjan Sinha, also known as Rishushri, who is alleged to have played a central role in the tender scam.
According to the SVU, the accused facilitated the approval of tenders and clearance of bills by allegedly paying commissions to government officials across departments.
Investigators claim the arrangement involved systematic payments linked to government contracts and project approvals.
Alleged Commissions Ranged From 1% to 3.5%
As per the findings shared by investigators, Tarini Das allegedly received a 3.5 per cent cash commission in connection with projects under the Building Construction Department.
The probe further alleges that Umesh Kumar Singh received a 1 per cent commission for facilitating tenders in the Urban Development Department.
Officials said the financial trail and related transactions are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Cash Recoveries Added Momentum to Probe
The case gained further attention following earlier searches conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), during which substantial amounts of cash were reportedly recovered.
According to investigators, Rs 8.5 crore was recovered from premises linked to Tarini Das, while Rs 2 crore was seized from locations associated with Mumukshu Kumar Chaudhary. Another Rs 1 crore was reportedly recovered from premises connected to Umesh Kumar Singh.
Authorities have stated that total recoveries in the broader investigation have reached Rs 11.65 crore.
Allegations of Tender Manipulation
Investigators allege that Rishushri and associated entities secured government contracts through coordination with officials in multiple departments.
The allegations include manipulation of official records, bribery, favouritism in awarding tenders, and criminal conspiracy. Authorities said documentary evidence and financial records are being examined to establish the extent of the network.
SVU Says Probe Will Continue
SVU Additional Director General Pankaj Kumar Darad said the investigation has so far indicated the existence of bribery, kickbacks, and irregularities in the tender process.
He stated that the probe is continuing and further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the investigation.
