Patna: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday grilled IAS officer Dharmendra Kumar for nearly six hours in connection with the alleged tender scam involving contractor Rishu Shree, as it widened its probe into suspected links between the accused and senior govt officials. Rishu Shree, a native of Saran district, is an accused in an alleged corruption and money-laundering case linked to senior IAS officer Sanjiv Hans and others.Kumar appeared before ED officials at the agency’s Patna office in response to a summons. Sources said he was questioned about his association with Rishu Shree, the circumstances under which they came into contact and allegations related to foreign trips allegedly financed by the accused. Sources indicated that Kumar may be summoned again if investigators require further clarification.The ED has also issued summons to senior IAS officials Anand Kishore, Santosh Kumar Mall, Yogesh Kumar Sagar, Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and Sunil Yadav. While Yogesh Kumar Sagar has sought time to appear next week, the others have been asked to appear before Oct 30.The investigation centres on allegations that Rishu Shree cultivated contacts within govt departments to obtain confidential information related to tenders, influence tender conditions and help favoured contractors secure projects. The agency is also examining allegations of commissions and other benefits allegedly extended to officials in return for favours.The case gained further attention after observations made by the Patna high court during a hearing on Rishu Shree’s bail plea on Oct 15. The court questioned what action had been taken against senior officials allegedly linked to the case, observing that Rishu Shree appeared to be a small player and asking whether action had been initiated against big beneficiaries.The ED is also examining allegations that Rishu Shree financed foreign trips for officials and their family members. Among the transactions under scrutiny are a trip to Austria in June 2024 allegedly involving former BUDCO managing director Yogesh Kumar Sagar and his family, and foreign travel expenses of around Rs 19 lakh allegedly incurred for IAS officer Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and her family.Investigators are further probing allegations of a Rs 25 lakh payment made to secure additional charge of the Sitamarhi municipal commissioner’s post for Mumukshu Chaudhary.The agency is examining suspected financial transactions, assets worth Rs 265.73 crore and possible links between foreign travel, official favours and govt contracts. The allegations are being investigated, and no conclusions have been reached at this stage.
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