Former Rajasthan MLA Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Corruption Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant arrest in Rajasthan, taking into custody former Independent MLA Baljeet Yadav in connection with a high-profile embezzlement case involving MLA Local Area Development funds. The arrest occurred late on Tuesday at a toll plaza in Alwar's Shahjahanpur area, marking a dramatic development in an investigation that has been ongoing for over a year.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
ED officials executed the arrest of Yadav, who served as the MLA from Alwar's Behror constituency between 2018 and 2023. This action follows extensive investigations into allegations of corruption during his tenure in the previous Congress government. The case centers on the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for development projects in his constituency.
The investigation timeline reveals a methodical approach by authorities:
- In January 2025, the ED conducted searches at approximately 10 properties linked to Yadav across Jaipur and other locations
- These searches were part of a probe into an alleged scam involving the supply of sports goods to Alwar schools during 2021-22
- Following the ED's investigation, Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered an FIR against Yadav and four others in 2024
Nature of the Alleged Scam
The corruption case involves serious allegations of financial irregularities in the procurement of sports equipment for government schools in Alwar district. According to investigation findings:
- Sports goods worth Rs 3.72 crore were purchased through Yadav's MLA funds for 32 government schools in Alwar
- The tender process was allegedly manipulated to favor four specific firms
- These four firms were reportedly created specifically for the purpose of securing these tenders
- The goods were purchased from these firms at prices up to 2.5 times their actual market value
Investigators discovered that on Yadav's recommendation as the MLA, Alwar Zila Parishad had issued both administrative and financial approvals between May 2021 and January 2022 for purchasing the sports equipment. The Neemrana Panchayat Samiti served as the executive agency for these purchases.
Political Context and Background
Baljeet Yadav's arrest carries significant political implications in Rajasthan. As an Independent MLA, he had played a crucial role in supporting the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government during the 2020 political crisis. His support was instrumental in maintaining the stability of the Gehlot administration during that turbulent period.
However, Yadav's political fortunes changed in the 2023 Assembly elections, where he lost his seat in a triangular contest. While he polled more votes than Congress candidate Sanjay Yadav, he ultimately lost to BJP's Jaswant Singh Yadav, ending his legislative career.
The case represents a serious development in Rajasthan's ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public office and ensure proper utilization of development funds meant for public welfare projects.
