Bihar Tender Scam: ED Summons Six IAS Officers, Including Anand Kishor, Santosh Kumar Mall and Abhilasha Sharma
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its investigation into the alleged Bihar tender scam linked to contractor Rishu Shree, summoning six Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers for questioning over suspected financial irregularities and possible money laundering. The development has brought renewed attention to the case, particularly after the Patna High Court raised questions about whether influential individuals were operating behind the scenes.
The officers summoned by the central agency are Anand Kishor, Santosh Kumar Mall, Dharmendra Kumar, Yogesh Kumar Sagar, Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and Sunil Yadav. Investigators are examining the tendering process, financial transactions and administrative decisions associated with the alleged irregularities to establish the sequence of events and determine whether any wider network was involved.
The investigation has assumed fresh significance following observations made by the Patna High Court on October 15, 2026, during the hearing of a petition filed by Rishu Shree. The court reportedly questioned whether the contractor was merely a minor participant in a larger operation, while individuals allegedly exercising greater influence remained out of public view.
Abhilasha Sharma and Sunil Yadav Questioned; Anand Kishor to Appear on October 30
According to information attributed to ED officials, two of the six IAS officers have already appeared before investigators, and their statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Abhilasha Kumari Sharma appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on October 26, while Sunil Yadav was questioned at the agency’s office on October 27. The agency has also summoned Santosh Kumar Mall to appear on October 29. Anand Kishor has been directed to join the investigation on October 30.
Dharmendra Kumar and Yogesh Kumar Sagar are among the other officers called for questioning. However, the dates of their scheduled appearances have not been disclosed in the available information.
The ED is understood to be seeking clarification on tender procedures, administrative approvals, financial dealings and decisions taken during the period under scrutiny. The statements of the officers may help investigators establish how relevant tenders were processed and whether established procedures were followed.
The agency has not publicly disclosed the contents of the statements recorded so far. The issuance of summons and the questioning of an officer do not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing or criminal liability.
What Is the Alleged Rishu Shree Tender Scam?
The case centres on alleged irregularities in government tender processes associated with contractor Rishu Shree. The matter was registered in 2023, and the Enforcement Directorate has been examining its possible money-laundering dimensions.
Investigators are looking into the manner in which tenders were processed, whether any irregularities occurred in the award or execution of contracts, and whether financial transactions connected with the alleged activities involved proceeds of crime. The inquiry also extends to administrative decision-making and the possibility that individuals may have exercised influence over tender-related decisions.
The examination of senior administrative officers is intended to help reconstruct the chain of decisions and transactions associated with the case. Investigators may compare the information provided during questioning with official records, financial documents and other evidence gathered during the course of the inquiry.At this stage, however, the precise roles of the officers and the extent of any alleged involvement have not been publicly established.
Patna High Court Observations Bring the Case Back into Focus
The investigation received renewed attention following the Patna High Court’s observations on October 15, when it was hearing a petition filed by Rishu Shree. During the proceedings, the court reportedly observed that Rishu appeared to be more of a “pawn”, while those allegedly directing the operation remained behind the curtain.
The observations raised questions about whether individuals with a more substantial role in the alleged money-laundering operation had yet to come under the full scrutiny of investigators.The remarks have added another dimension to the case, placing the spotlight on the possibility of a wider network behind the alleged tender irregularities.
Nevertheless, judicial observations made during proceedings should not be construed as a final determination of guilt. The precise nature of the alleged arrangement, the identity of any other persons involved and the extent of their respective roles remain subject to investigation and legal scrutiny.
The court’s observations have renewed public interest in whether the investigation will establish a broader chain of responsibility beyond the individuals already associated with the case.
ED Scrutinises Administrative Decisions and Financial Trail
The Enforcement Directorate’s inquiry is focused on establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities and determining whether they involved activities attracting the provisions of money-laundering law.
The agency is examining the procedures followed in processing tenders, the approvals granted by the relevant authorities and the financial transactions connected with the contracts under investigation.
The questioning of the six IAS officers is expected to assist investigators in understanding the administrative framework within which the relevant decisions were taken. Their responses may also be assessed against documentary evidence and financial records available to the agency.
A key aspect of the investigation is whether the alleged irregularities were confined to individual transactions or formed part of a wider arrangement involving multiple persons. Establishing such a connection would require evidence demonstrating the nature of the transactions, the decisions involved and any links between the individuals under scrutiny.
The ED has not released detailed findings establishing the involvement of the six officers in any alleged offence. Nor has it publicly disclosed the full contents of the statements recorded during the investigation.
Investigation Continues as Further Questioning Is Scheduled
With Abhilasha Kumari Sharma and Sunil Yadav reportedly questioned, and further appearances scheduled for Santosh Kumar Mall and Anand Kishor on October 29 and 30 respectively, the investigation into the alleged Bihar tender scam remains ongoing.
The summoning of six serving or former administrative officers, together with the Patna High Court’s observations, has brought renewed scrutiny to the case and the circumstances surrounding the alleged tender irregularities.
The next phase of the investigation will depend on the statements recorded, the documentary and financial evidence examined, and the conclusions reached by the investigating agency. For now, the case remains under investigation. The summons issued to the six IAS officers should not be treated as evidence of guilt, and any determination of individual responsi
