As ED Raids Patna Again, More Skeletons Tumble Out Of Bihar IAS Officer Sanjeev Hans’s Closet

Sources in the ED said that several documents, other forms of evidence including some electronic devices were seized for further investigations and forensics audits, while the agency also seized a huge amount of cash. Hans, a Delhi IIT pass out, has been embroiled in various scandals and allegations over the past year, one of which had landed him in jail. The money laundering scam for which he is facing an ED probe, has now exposed his alleged connections with several senior politicians of Bihar and the related nexus.

With every search, more murky details emerge, exposing what appears to be a deep nexus of corruption, kickbacks by using position of power, hidden wealth, and abuse of authority. The case that started as whispers of financial misconduct is now unravelling into a full-blown scandal, with Hans at the centre of it all. Once known as a ‘bright officer’, who served in central government between 2014 and 2019 in several capacities on central deputation, was elevated to the position of principal secretary in the state in 2020.

The trail gets murkier

As investigators dig deeper, fresh evidence points to unaccounted assets, benami transactions, and a lavish lifestyle that far exceeds official means. Even as the investigators continue to gather evidence and finalise the seizure list, the raids in December, the related attachments and recoveries remain crucial for the context. The latest raids, part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering and disproportionate assets, have unearthed fresh evidence linking Hans to suspected several illicit financial activities. Sources indicate that documents seized during the searches point to more unexplained wealth, benami transactions, and potential links to certain ‘influential’ figures.

Hans has been under the radar for alleged misuse of power and financial misconduct for the past two years. The ED’s action follows earlier investigations that hinted at large-scale corruption, making him a high-profile target in Bihar’s bureaucratic circles.

From cash stashes to luxury flats: What December raids uncovered

On December 16, the directorate attached property worth Rs 23.72 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. These properties—three land parcels in Nagpur, one flat in Delhi, and three flats in Jaipur—were allegedly acquired by close associates or relatives of Sanjeev Hans. Investigations revealed that these assets were purchased using proceeds of crime generated through corruption abusing his official capacity.

According to the investigation documents, Hans amassed illicit wealth between 2018 and 2023 while holding key positions in the Bihar government and during his central deputations. He allegedly colluded with private individuals and entities to engage in corruption and money laundering.

These searches exposed shares worth Rs 60 crore in newly opened Demat accounts of a close associate’s family members, along with 70 bank accounts holding suspicious cash deposits of around Rs 6 crore, which have now been frozen.

Further seizures in the case include luxury items and substantial cash hoards linked to Hans and his associates. From his premises in Patna and Delhi, the ED recovered gold jewellery and luxury watches valued at Rs 80 lakh and Rs 65 lakh, respectively.