ACB Intensifies Probe into Jal Jeevan Mission Scam, Questions Former IAS Officer
In a significant development in the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) corruption investigation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted a detailed interrogation of former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subodh Agarwal on Saturday. The questioning session, held in Jaipur, focused on Agarwal's alleged role and the purported involvement of other officials in the multi-crore scam that has rocked Rajasthan's water supply scheme.
Scrutiny of Project Execution and Personnel Roles
Investigators pressed Agarwal extensively about his awareness of engineers and other personnel who worked under his supervision during his tenure. The ACB officials sought specific details about the roles these individuals played in executing various Jal Jeevan Mission projects across the state. This line of questioning aims to establish a clear chain of command and responsibility within the project implementation structure.
Forged IRCON Certificates Under Microscope
A crucial aspect of the interrogation centered on Agarwal's alleged failure to act on complaints regarding the use of forged IRCON certificates by two prominent firms: Shri Ganpati Tubewell and Shri Shyam Tubewell. These certificates, which authenticate the quality and specifications of materials used in water supply projects, are believed to have been falsified to secure contracts and payments under the mission.
The investigation revealed that Vishal Saxena, who served as an executive engineer at the relevant time, was specifically tasked with verifying the certificate submitted by Shri Ganpati Tubewell. Saxena has made serious allegations that officials from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) directed him to submit a positive verification report despite irregularities.
Ongoing Investigation and Official Statements
An ACB official confirmed that the probe is actively continuing with multiple angles being explored simultaneously. "We are thoroughly investigating this case, and the interrogation process is currently underway," the official stated. "We have posed several critical questions to the accused, and our investigation will persist until we uncover comprehensive answers to all pertinent questions regarding this scam."
Court Rejects Interim Bail Application
In a related legal development, Agarwal's application for interim bail following the death of his mother-in-law was rejected by the court. The judicial authority determined that since the accused is already in remand, granting interim bail at this stage would not be appropriate. Agarwal's counsel, SS Hora, explained that they had requested the court to allow his client to attend post-death rituals that typically continue for thirteen days.
"We submitted the interim bail application because Agarwal's mother-in-law has passed away," Hora clarified. "Our request to the court was to grant bail for whatever period it deemed appropriate to allow participation in these important rituals."
Hora further indicated that a fresh interim bail application is likely to be filed before the special court dealing with Prevention of Corruption Act cases on Monday, suggesting continued legal maneuvering in this high-profile corruption case.
