The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Friday arrested Santosh Kumar, a close associate of alleged tender mafia figure and contractor Rishu Shri, marking a significant breakthrough in the Bihar tender scam investigation. Santosh, who serves as a director of Matriswa Construction Pvt Ltd, was taken into custody during a raid in Patna based on intelligence inputs. Following preliminary questioning, he was remanded to judicial custody.
Background and Role in the Scam
According to investigators, Santosh is one of Rishu Shri's oldest associates and had invested nearly Rs 4 crore in his early business ventures. The SVU suspects he played a pivotal role in managing financial transactions and facilitating the delivery of bribes to government officials. Santosh was named alongside Rishu Shri in an FIR registered by the SVU on April 30 last year. Officials believe his interrogation could unveil crucial details about the alleged manipulation of government tenders.
Progression of the Investigation
The probe has gained momentum since raids were conducted at Rishu Shri's premises on May 27, leading to his arrest the following day. On May 30, two IAS officers — Abhilasha Sharma and Yogesh Kumar Sagar — were suspended over their alleged links to the case. The SVU stated that the investigation has uncovered suspected irregularities in water resources department tenders worth approximately Rs 125 crore.
Investigators claim that Rishu Shri used his influence and collusion with officials to secure contracts for an Ahmedabad-based company, which subsequently subcontracted work to M/s Matriswa Construction. The agency also alleges that multiple firms were floated in the names of Rishu Shri, his wife, and associates to manipulate the tendering process.
Key Evidence and Modus Operandi
A key lead emerged from Rishu Shri's mobile phone. Forensic analysis revealed a contact saved as 'IAS Bhaiya'. Agencies are now scrutinizing call records, chats, and other digital activity linked to that number. It remains unclear whether the connection was personal or if it influenced tender allocations. Officials explained that the alleged modus operandi involved obtaining confidential information and inserting restrictive conditions into tenders to eliminate competitors.
The SVU believes that Santosh's arrest could expose a wider network involved in manipulating government contracts worth crores of rupees. The investigation continues to unfold, with authorities aiming to bring all perpetrators to justice.
