Patna: Bihar’s Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) has arrested a key associate of contractor Rishushri in connection with the state’s high-profile tender scam investigation, marking another significant development in a case that has already drawn the attention of multiple investigative agencies.
The accused, Santosh Kumar, was arrested in Patna and is alleged to have played a role in the operation of companies that investigators believe were used to secure and manipulate government contracts.
According to officials, Santosh Kumar served as a director of Matriseva, one of several firms linked to Rishushri and currently under scrutiny.
Companies Under Investigation
Investigators allege that Rishushri established and operated multiple companies, including Reliable Infra and Matriseva, through which government tenders were allegedly secured and managed.
According to the investigation, another firm, Reliable, was also operated in Santosh Kumar’s name. Rishushri’s wife, Ritambhara, is listed as a director in one of the companies being examined by investigators.
Officials suspect that several of these firms were used to obtain public contracts through irregular means. The operations of the network are reported to have been coordinated from Supaul.
Santosh Kumar has been named among the principal accused in the FIR registered by the SVU in the case.
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Probe Expands To Bureaucratic Links
The investigation has also focused on the alleged relationship between Rishushri and senior government officials.
According to findings cited by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), investigators suspect that the alleged tender-rigging network benefited from collusion involving bureaucratic officials.
Two IAS officers, Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma, have already been suspended in connection with the wider investigation. Officials say several other individuals remain under scrutiny.
Investigators are examining whether administrative influence may have played a role in the allocation and execution of government contracts linked to the companies under investigation.
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‘IAS Bhaiya’ Contact Raises Questions
According to sources familiar with the investigation, data recovered from Rishushri’s mobile phone has yielded fresh leads.
Among the information being examined are contact details allegedly saved under the name “IAS Bhaiya”, a reference that has attracted the attention of investigators.
Officials are attempting to establish the identity of the individual concerned and determine whether the relationship was merely personal or whether it had any bearing on official decision-making processes.
Investigators are now gathering additional information and analysing digital evidence as part of a broader effort to map the network of individuals allegedly connected to the case.
More Revelations Expected
The SVU and the Enforcement Directorate are continuing parallel investigations into allegations of tender manipulation, financial irregularities and possible abuse of official influence.
Officials believe the inquiry could shed further light on the structure of the alleged tender network, the companies involved and the role played by influential individuals connected to the operation.
The case has emerged as one of Bihar’s most closely watched corruption investigations, with authorities signalling that further arrests and enforcement action remain possible as the probe progresses.
