ED Summons Bihar IAS Officer in Alleged Tender Fraud Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has entered the investigation into an alleged tender fraud in Bihar, summoning IAS officer Dharmendra Kumar, 2013 batch, for questioning on Wednesday. Kumar, who serves as Chairman of the Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation, faced approximately six hours of interrogation by the federal agency.

The ED's line of inquiry focused on Kumar's personal and financial relationships with contractor Risusri, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The questioning marks a significant escalation in the probe into the alleged irregularities in tender procedures within the state construction agency.

The investigation comes as scrutiny over procurement practices in Bihar's infrastructure projects has intensified in recent months. The ED's involvement suggests authorities are examining potential money laundering angles related to the alleged scam.

Kumar's role as head of the state bridge construction corporation places him at a critical juncture in major infrastructure contracts in Bihar. The nature of the alleged tender irregularities and the extent of potential financial flows remain under investigation. The agency is expected to conduct further questioning as the probe progresses.