Jaipur : Another case of corruption in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) during the time of the then government has come to light. In the preliminary investigation report filed a few months ago, the ACB has found the role of the then PHED Minister Mahesh Joshi, ACS Subodh Agarwal and many officials of the department suspicious. On this basis, a proposal has been sent to the government for permission to file an FIR against them.
The governor issued the approval
The Governor has issued permission against Mahesh Joshi. Meanwhile, PHED has sent the file to the government, giving permission for FIR against seven officers. The case of ACS Subodh Agarwal and some other officers is pending with DOP (Personnel Department) and PHED Department (Public Health and Engineering).
Role considered suspicious in preliminary investigation
The ACB had registered an FIR investigation report 6/2024 regarding the alleged irregularities in the payment of crores in Jal Jeevan Mission. In its investigation, it was found that the firm of contractor Padam Chand Jain and Mahesh Mittal had taken contracts by presenting fake experience certificates. The department had received information about the fake experience certificate. The department had received its complaint through complaint and e-mail. The institution whose certificate was presented had also officially informed that the certificate presented to the department was fake. Even after this, the department and the higher level did not decide to investigate on time. The investigation was conducted late, the report of which was also suspicious. Meanwhile, crores of rupees were also paid.
Personnel department sought comments
ACB had sent Mahesh Joshi’s file to the Governor for permission to lodge FIR. After the Governor’s approval, it was sent to ACB through the government. Whereas the file of Subodh Agarwal and others was sent to DOP and PHED. PHED refused the names of five officers and gave permission against seven officers. The file has been sent to the government for final decision. Whereas, the case of ACS Subodh Agarwal and six more officers is still pending with DOP and PHED. PHED has been asked for comments about them. FIR will be lodged against all even after the final decision is taken.
ACB had exposed corruption
The corruption in JJM was exposed by the ACB last year, when it raided the residence of contractor Padmachand Jain and arrested five officials. After this, the ED also registered a case and made several arrests. In the case of fake experience certificate, the department itself had lodged an FIR in Bajaj Nagar police station. The CBI has also registered a case regarding this. After this, now the fourth case is going on in the ACB.
