Patna: Rishu Shri, the alleged mastermind and contractor at the centre of the Bihar tender scam, has remained evasive during questioning by the Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) while on police remand, according to investigators.Senior SVU officials said Rishu has been unwilling to provide concrete answers despite several rounds of interrogation. Sources said his attitude changed after he was brought out of Beur Central Jail on a five-day remand. During questioning, he initially refused to cooperate and repeatedly claimed he had done nothing wrong and was being falsely implicated in the case.Officials said he consistently avoided direct responses to key questions. He also alleged the Enforcement Directorate’s findings against him were “false and fabricated” and claimed the FIR registered by the SVU on the basis of the ED report was incorrect.A senior SVU official said investigators had prepared an extensive list of questions, but Rishu failed to provide any substantial information.“He does not give any concrete answers. He makes statements aimed at protecting himself and tries to avoid direct admissions,” the official said.According to investigators, Rishu admitted working as a middleman in securing contracts but denied facilitating major projects for large companies.“He says he may have been involved in brokerage activities, but denies playing any major role,” the officer said.Officials said Rishu has not revealed any new names during interrogation. Most of the individuals he referred to have already been arrested and named in the FIR.When questioned about IAS officer Sanjeev Hans and his alleged involvement, investigators said Rishu neither confirmed nor denied any connection.“He never clearly states he has no association with them, but at the same time he does not accept any involvement either,” the officer said.Officials said this is Rishu’s first stint in jail and that he had no known criminal record before the tender scam case surfaced. Investigators alleged he started as a small businessman, later secured larger contracts and earned commissions by bringing influential people into the process and arranging the subletting of contracts to firms linked to him.During questioning, Rishu admitted he was in contact with suspended IAS officers Yogesh Kumar Sagar and Abhilasha Kumari Sharma. Referring to one of them, he allegedly told investigators he addressed her as “Didi”, but did not provide further details about their interactions.Rishu has maintained he was treated unfairly and insisted all his earnings were legitimate and properly disclosed to tax authorities. Officials said questioning has been underway since June 16 and continues.
