In a significant development related to the Jal Jeevan Mission corruption case, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Rajasthan has filed a charge sheet against retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal. The charge sheet, consisting of around 17,500 pages, was submitted after an extensive investigation by the ACB.
The investigation revealed that tenders worth about Rs 979.27 crore were awarded based on forged documents and fabricated work-completion certificates. Financial irregularities and acts of corruption allegedly involving collusion between officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and private individuals were also uncovered.
The probe found that certain tenders had conditions contrary to rules to manipulate competition, compromising the fairness of the process and causing financial losses to the state. Charge sheets have been filed against 10 accused persons, with investigations ongoing against former Minister Mahesh Joshi, Sanjay Badaya, and others involved in the case.
Allegedly, a conspiracy involving officials, contractors, and private individuals led to the inclusion of a mandatory “Site Visit Certificate” requirement in tender conditions for projects over Rs 50 crore, resulting in abnormally high tender premiums. The investigation suggests abuse of official position and widespread corruption in tenders worth around Rs 20,000 crore.
Legal action will be taken as per laws upon completion of the investigation. The charge sheet was filed by the Investigating Officer, Additional Superintendent of Police Mahaveer Prasad Sharma, before the court. The investigation was carried out by a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General of Police (ACB) Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
