Patna, Jan 07: The Enforcement Directorate has unearthed a staggering web of corruption and financial irregularities involving Sanjeev Hans, a 1997-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from the Bihar cadre.
Hans, who served in key positions both at the state and central levels, allegedly amassed vast wealth through illicit means, according to charges brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The ED has attached multiple properties linked to Hans, and other associates. These assets include luxury flats, villas, commercial properties, and benami holdings across India, allegedly acquired using proceeds of crime. Scandalous Details Revealed 1. Illicit Financial Transactions: Hans allegedly routed Rs 2.44 crores through hawala channels to a woman lawyer with whom he reportedly had a long-term illicit relationship. She was also gifted a Rs 90-lakh flat in Lucknow, with payments made through a security firm linked to Hans’ associates. 2. High-Value Properties: A Rs 9.6-crore luxury flat in New Delhi’s Anand Niketan, purchased partly in cash, has been seized. Two villas worth Rs 2.5 crores each in Kasauli were bought under the names of Hans’ father and brother-in-law. Four cottages in Kasauli, suspected benami properties, were registered under the names of close associates. A Rs 92.5-lakh plot in Mohali was purchased using funds from Hans’ wife’s account. 3. Corruption in Public Office: As Principal Secretary in the Energy Department, Hans allegedly awarded contracts worth Rs 997 crores (South Bihar) and Rs 2,850 crores (North Bihar) for smart electric meter installations. The ED claims Rs 123 crores was paid as a commission to secure these contracts, awarded to Jaipur-based Genus Power Infrastructure Limited. 4. Lavish Lifestyle and Assets: The ED’s raids uncovered: Gold jewelry worth Rs 1.25 crores, silver bullion worth Rs 11 lakhs, and luxury watches valued at Rs 65 lakhs. Unexplained cash of Rs 1.07 crores and foreign currency worth Rs 20 lakhs.
Shares worth Rs 60 crores in newly opened Demat accounts of Hans’ associates’ family members. 70 bank accounts with suspicious transactions totalling Rs 6 crores.
Hans is accused of influencing decisions at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) during his tenure as Personal Secretary to the Consumer Affairs Minister. Allegations suggest he helped settle a case for a real estate developer facing arrest, involving two former NCDRC judicial members.
The ED has conducted 10 search operations, arrested 11 individuals, and seized assets worth crores. A special PMLA court in Patna will hear the case on January 6, where the ED is expected to present its evidence.
The case of Sanjeev Hans adds to the growing list of IAS officers accused of abusing their power for personal gain. As the ED builds its case, the allegations, if proven, could mark another grim chapter in the fight against corruption in India’s bureaucracy.
However, he was arrested & he is in jail & now Govt has issued orders for his suspension.
|