ACB Raids PHED Office in Jaipur: Major Action in Rajasthan’s Jal Jeevan Mission Scam

Jaipur, December 18, 2025: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a major operation in Rajasthan amid the ongoing investigation into the highly controversial Jal Jeevan Mission scam. Following the arrest of five accused, including a senior official from the Water Resources Department yesterday, ACB teams carried out a surprise raid at the PHED office today.

Led by SP Mahaveer Singh, the ACB team stormed the Jal Bhawan office near Ajmeri Pulia, creating panic among officials and staff. Several officers are expected to be implicated as the investigation unfolds.

High-Level Corruption Uncovered

The scam, which took place during the previous Congress government’s tenure, is alleged to have involved irregularities worth around ₹900 crore. Blacklisted and fake firms were reportedly awarded contracts, with collusion among department officials, employees, contractors, and middlemen facilitating the massive fraud. During the raid, ACB scrutinized historical records, and names of several officers and employees may surface. As of now, one officer has been arrested, but more officials and staff are expected to be taken into custody in the coming days.

Key Arrests and Ongoing Interrogations

Yesterday, Gopal Kumawat, the then Accounts Officer of the Water Resources Department, was arrested by the ACB. This is his first encounter with the anti-corruption agency. Interrogation of Kumawat is likely to reveal the involvement of multiple officials and employees. Two business owners linked to the scam have also been arrested. All accused will be produced in court today for remand, during which further names and details may emerge.

Previous ED Investigations

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also registered a case against the Jal Jeevan Mission scam last year, uncovering millions in illegal transactions. As part of its probe, ED conducted searches at the residence and office of former ACS of the Water Resources Department, IAS Subodh Agarwal. Former minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi was also raided and subsequently jailed by the ED, but was released after securing bail from the Supreme Court seven months later. Now, the ACB investigation may target high-ranking officials, signaling a significant crackdown on corruption.