In a significant move within the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam investigation, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out raids simultaneously at various locations across the country. The ACB teams conducted searches at approximately 15 sites, including Jaipur, Barmer, Sikar, Jalore, Delhi, Bihar, and Jharkhand. These raids are part of the probe into alleged corruption related to the state’s ‘Har Gahr Jal’ drinking water scheme.
Officials revealed that the searches targeted the premises of a retired Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) and other individuals allegedly involved in the scam. The retired official is under scrutiny regarding the awarding of contracts worth crores of rupees to specific companies based on suspected fake experience certificates. The investigation is focusing on examining irregularities in procurement and tendering processes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Several suspects have been detained for questioning, including officials and contractors believed to be connected to the irregularities. The operation, overseen by ACB Director General Govind Gupta and Additional Director General Smita Srivastava, may lead to formal arrests based on interrogation outcomes and evidence verification.
ACB teams have expanded their searches beyond Rajasthan to Bihar and Jharkhand, where companies associated with the case are suspected to have operations. The entire operation is being managed by DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh and SP Pushpendra Singh Rathore, who heads the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the matter. Authorities have seized digital devices, diaries, and financial documents for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The alleged Jal Jeevan Mission scam is estimated to involve irregularities exceeding Rs 900 crore, with investigators claiming that certain companies secured contracts through the submission of forged experience certificates. This recent action indicates a shift in the investigation towards senior officials and key figures implicated in the alleged corruption.
