New Delhi: Sanjeev Hans, the Principal Secretary of Bihar’s Energy Department, has landed himself in hot water.
Following raids by the Enforcement Directorate at his workplace and residence, as well as the recovery of gold, expensive gadgets, and numerous records proving his wrongdoings, the Patna SSP’s supervision report in a gang-rape involving him has confirmed the incident. In the case, he and political leader Gulab Yadav were charged together.
A woman accused Hans and Gulab Yadav of sexual assault. In 2016, she claimed that Gulab Yadav used his power to push her into compromising situations while offering her membership in the Women’s Commission. She further claimed that both men continued to exploit her throughout the years, resulting in her giving birth to a child in 2018.
During his term, Mr Hans, a 1997 batch Bihar cadre IAS officer has served as District Magistrate for six districts, including Madhubani, which is also home to Gulab Yadav, the other co-accused in the heinous gang rape of a woman lawyer.
The case has now been sent to the high court after being filed in a lower court in Danapur in 2021.
He is also believed to have recruited journalist Khwaja Jamal as Protocol Officer at Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited.Mr Hans is Chairman and Managing Director of this outfit, besides being the Principal Secretary of the Bihar Energy Department.
This hiring of Mr Jamal violated all norms, and it is commonly assumed in the Vidut Bhavan corridors that he was acting as a conduit for Mr Hans. This position was created specifically for him, and he was chosen without any advertisement, test, or interview because he had developed good ties with Mr Hans while the latter was serving as Deputy Development Commissioner in Muzaffarpur.
Jamal was then working part-time as a correspondent for the Hindustan Times. He still continues to enjoy the patronage of Mr Hans.
A through investigation and interrogation of the people close to Mr Hans is likely to unearth more from his cupboards.
