Who Are the Five Arrested in the Jal Jeevan Mission Corruption Case in Rajasthan?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, five individuals have been arrested in Rajasthan for their involvement in corruption within the Jal Jeevan Mission project. The arrests signal a significant crackdown on alleged irregularities and set the stage for further investigations.
Key Takeaways
- The ACB has arrested five individuals linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission corruption case.
- Allegations include executing substandard work and financial fraud.
- Evidence from phone conversations has played a crucial role in the investigation.
- A SIT has been established for ongoing investigations into related cases.
- The ACB continues to pursue the remaining suspects and enforce legal action.
Jaipur, Dec 17 (NationPress) Following directives from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Headquarters, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has apprehended five individuals in Rajasthan linked to the purported irregularities surrounding the Jal Jeevan Mission initiative.
The detained suspects include Mahesh Kumar Mittal, owner of Ganpati Tubewell; Hemant Mittal, also known as Golu, who is the son of Mahesh Kumar Mittal; Umesh Kumar Sharma, who serves as the manager and liaison officer for Shyam Tubewell; Gopal Kumawat, the former Accounts Officer for the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED); and Piyush Jain, son of Padam Chand Jain and owner of Shyam Tubewell.
The arrests are connected to Case No. 215/23, which involves M/s Shyam Tubewell (run by Padam Chand Jain) and M/s Shri Ganpati Tubewell (managed by Mahesh Kumar Mittal).
As per the ACB's report, these companies, in coordination with PHED officials—namely, Maya Lal Saini (former Executive Engineer, PHED Behror Division), Rakesh Chauhan (Assistant Engineer, Neemrana Sub-Division), and Pradeep Kumar (Junior Engineer, Neemrana Sub-Division)—managed to acquire Tender Nos. 15/21-22 and 33/21-22 through fraudulent practices.
The suspects are accused of carrying out substandard work, tampering with measurement records, and illicitly withdrawing crores of rupees from the state’s finances.
The ACB has indicated that recorded phone conversations during the investigation have furnished substantial evidence of collusion and bribery.
Funds were reportedly misappropriated by providing bribes to departmental officials in exchange for illicit advantages.
The Director General of Police, ACB, Govind Gupta, stated that a SIT has been established, led by Superintendent of Police Mahaveer Singh Ranawat, to ensure a prompt investigation into all matters related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, apprehend additional suspects, and submit charge-sheets to the judiciary.
Key officers, including SP Himanshu Kuldeep, Additional SP Bhupendra, and Mahaveer Prasad Sharma, are integral to the investigation.
All call records and technical data acquired from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have been meticulously reviewed.
The ACB noted that surprise inspections had been performed previously against six suspects, leading to the filing of charge-sheets.
The remaining suspects were on the run until Wednesday, when the SIT successfully apprehended the five individuals from various locations within Jaipur city utilizing technical surveillance.
Investigators uncovered evidence of bribe transactions amounting to Rs 2.20 lakh, involving PHED officials, with the sum allegedly extracted from the state treasury.
The arrests were executed under the oversight of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr Rameshwar Singh and SP Mahaveer Singh Ranawat.
Under the comprehensive supervision of Additional Director General of Police, ACB, Smita Srivastava, questioning of the suspects is currently in progress.
The ACB affirmed that it will act according to the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and carry on with further inquiries into the matter.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the vital role of accountability in governance. The arrests linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission highlight the persistent issue of corruption in public projects, and it is imperative that justice is served to restore public trust.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a government initiative aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections.
Who are the main accused in this case?
The main accused include Mahesh Kumar Mittal, Umesh Kumar Sharma, Gopal Kumawat, and others linked to the firms involved.
What were the alleged irregularities?
The accused are alleged to have carried out substandard work, manipulated documents, and fraudulently withdrew funds from the state treasury.
What actions are being taken against the accused?
The ACB is pursuing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and a SIT has been formed to investigate the matter further.
What evidence supports the allegations?
Recorded phone conversations and technical evidence from the Forensic Science Laboratory have provided substantial proof of collusion and bribery.
