Rajasthan: ED Detains Congress Figure Over Jal Jeevan Mission Fraud

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Rajasthan: ED Detains Congress Figure Over Jal Jeevan Mission Fraud

Synopsis

Mahesh Joshi, a Congress leader, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission scam. He faced interrogation regarding fraudulent activities linked to water supply tenders that involved forged documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Mahesh Joshi arrested by ED for JJM scam.
  • Fraudulent tendering under Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana.
  • Multiple government officials arrested in connection.
  • Significant evidence gathered by ED and ACB.
  • Ongoing investigation into fraudulent activities.

Jaipur, April 24 (NationPress) Congress leader Mahesh Joshi was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday, linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) fraud case.

Joshi underwent intensive questioning at the ED headquarters prior to his arrest.

Despite receiving multiple summons, he had previously evaded the agency's inquiries, citing personal reasons. However, on Thursday, he appeared at the ED office around 1 PM, accompanied by a personal assistant. During the interrogation, officials presented numerous documents related to the scam and sought his input.

The JJM fraud is associated with deceptive tendering under the Central government’s Jal Jeevan Mission Yojana, which aims to provide tap water to every household.

In 2021, contractors Padmachand Jain and Mahesh Mittal of Shri Shyam Tubewell Company, along with M/s Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company, obtained tenders valued at crores from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) by using forged experience certificates.

Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company allegedly participated in 68 tenders using counterfeit documents, securing 31 contracts worth ₹859.2 crore.

Similarly, Shri Shyam Tubewell Company engaged in 169 tenders and secured ₹120.25 crore by winning 73 of them.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initially uncovered the fraud, resulting in the arrest of several government officials.

The ED subsequently initiated its investigation, conducting raids at locations associated with Mahesh Joshi, his associate Sanjay Badaya, and others.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a case on May 3, 2024. The following day, the ED provided crucial evidence and documents to the ACB for further action.

The ED raided the properties of Congress leader Mahesh Joshi and other sites as part of the investigation into the Jal Jeevan Mission.

The agency commenced its inquiry based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Rajasthan.