WaterSupply – Former Rajasthan Minister Held in Jal Jeevan Mission Case
WaterSupply – The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested former Public Health Engineering Department Minister Mahesh Joshi in connection with the alleged ₹960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission irregularities tied to the Centre’s rural tap water scheme. Authorities detained Joshi from his Jaipur residence early on Thursday as investigations into the high-profile case continue to expand.
Arrest Follows Action Against Senior Officials
The latest development comes shortly after the arrest of former PHED Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Subodh Agarwal, who is also under investigation in the same matter. Officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that Joshi is accused of facilitating government tenders in exchange for alleged bribes during his tenure in the previous Congress-led administration headed by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Investigators had registered a formal case against Joshi in 2024 after collecting preliminary evidence linked to the tender allocation process under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The scheme was introduced by the Central Government to ensure piped drinking water access to households across the country.
Enforcement Directorate Also Conducting Probe
Apart from the state agency’s investigation, the Enforcement Directorate has been examining financial transactions connected to the case under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED had previously arrested Joshi in 2025. He remained in custody for nearly seven months before securing bail from the Supreme Court.
Officials believe financial irregularities may have occurred during the awarding of contracts linked to water infrastructure projects. Investigators are examining documentation, payment records, and tender approvals associated with multiple firms.
Multiple Arrests and Raids Across Rajasthan
The Anti-Corruption Bureau intensified its investigation earlier this year with coordinated raids at around 15 locations across Rajasthan. During the operation, 10 engineers connected to the department were arrested for their alleged involvement in the tender process.
Authorities later apprehended Dr. Subodh Agarwal, who investigators claim had avoided questioning for a prolonged period. The agency has indicated that the probe is still active and additional action may follow depending on evidence gathered during the inquiry.
Three Accused Still Absconding
According to officials, three major accused linked to the alleged scam are currently absconding and have been declared proclaimed offenders by the court. Investigators have reportedly gathered information related to their movable and immovable assets. Legal proceedings for property attachment are expected to begin soon.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is also coordinating with financial and legal authorities to trace transactions and ownership records connected to the accused individuals and associated firms.
Tender Process Under Scrutiny
Investigators allege that two companies — M/s Shri Ganpati Tubewell and M/s Shri Shyam Tubewell — secured large government contracts by using forged documents during the bidding process. The firms are reportedly linked to businessmen Mahesh Mittal and Padamchand Jain.
Officials claim the companies obtained contracts worth nearly ₹960 crore using fraudulent certificates allegedly issued in the name of IRCON International. Authorities are verifying the authenticity of documents submitted during the tender approvals.
Political Debate Intensified Before Elections
The case first gained major political attention in June 2023 when senior BJP leader Kirori Lal Meena staged a two-day protest outside Ashok Nagar Police Station in Jaipur demanding registration of an FIR. The issue later became a prominent topic during the Rajasthan Assembly election campaign, with opposition leaders repeatedly targeting the then state government over alleged corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission projects.