Did Rajasthan Ex-minister Mahesh Joshi Receive Bail for Wife's Funeral?
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Synopsis
In a poignant turn of events, former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has been granted a brief reprieve from his legal troubles to attend his wife's funeral rituals. This interim bail comes amid serious allegations tied to a major corruption scandal involving the Jal Jeevan Mission, raising questions about accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Mahesh Joshi is granted interim bail to attend his wife's funeral.
- He faces serious allegations in the Jal Jeevan Mission scam.
- The case reveals significant corruption concerns in Rajasthan.
- Numerous officials have been implicated in the ongoing investigation.
- Public accountability remains a critical issue in politics.
Jaipur, May 2 (NationPress) Mahesh Joshi, a former minister in Rajasthan and a member of Congress, who is implicated in the Rs 900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam, has been granted a three-day interim bail to fulfill the necessary rituals following the passing of his wife.
This temporary release is effective from May 8 to May 10.
However, he is required to remain in custody for six days from May 2 to May 7.
He must return to custody by 8 a.m. on May 11.
The ruling was made by Judge Khagendra Kumar Sharma of the special court overseeing ED cases.
On Thursday, an application for nine days of interim bail was submitted on behalf of Mahesh Joshi. The court reserved its decision after hearing the arguments.
Joshi's attorney, Deepak Chauhan, contended that Joshi must be present to carry out the necessary rituals for his wife's passing.
During this time of sorrow, numerous visitors are arriving at his residence, making it essential for Mahesh Joshi to attend.
Other rituals must also be conducted by Mahesh Joshi before the 13th day following his wife's passing.
Therefore, an extension of nine more days of interim bail is justified.
On the other hand, Mahesh Joshi arrived at Jaipur Central Jail on Thursday evening after his previous bail expired, spending the night behind bars.
He was detained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 24.
Following the conclusion of his remand, the court assigned him to 14-day judicial custody on Monday.
After his wife's death on April 28, the court granted him four days of interim bail.
An additional bail petition was filed on his behalf on Thursday.
Mahesh Joshi's wife, Kaushal Joshi, passed away on Monday morning in Jaipur after receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital.
In connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission scam, the ED has arrested several individuals, including Piyush Jain, Padam Chand Jain, Mahesh Mittal, and Sanjay Badaya.
This case involves alleged misconduct in the Jal Jeevan Mission, a Central Government initiative aimed at providing tap water to every rural household.
The Rural Drinking Water Scheme was supposed to have costs shared equally between the Centre and the state.
However, instead of utilizing the required ductile iron (DI) pipes, substandard HDPE pipes were used. Contractors reportedly misappropriated funds by falsely claiming that new pipelines had been installed, while in many cases, old pipelines were reused or none were installed at all.
Numerous irregularities have been reported. Despite significant financial claims, many rural areas still lack proper water pipelines, suggesting extensive corruption involving contractors and water department officials.
There have also been allegations of using stolen materials. Contractor Padam Chand Jain allegedly procured stolen pipes from Haryana, presenting them as new installations and siphoning off substantial amounts of money.
Sources indicate that companies such as Shyam Tubewell Company and Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company secured tenders worth hundreds of crores by submitting fraudulent experience certificates, supposedly with the support of complicit officials and political connections.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initially uncovered the scam, detaining several officials. Subsequently, the ED initiated a case and conducted searches at the residences of Mahesh Joshi, his associate Sanjay Badaya, and others.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered its own case on May 3, 2024, and on May 4, the ED submitted its findings to the ACB.
Point of View
It is crucial to present an unbiased perspective. The grant of interim bail to Mahesh Joshi amidst serious allegations raises significant questions about the integrity of political figures in India. While personal loss is deeply felt, the ongoing investigations into corruption must proceed without interference, ensuring that justice is served for the victims of the Jal Jeevan Mission scam.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission scam about?
The Jal Jeevan Mission scam involves allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for providing tap water to rural households, where inferior materials were allegedly used instead of mandated supplies.
Why was Mahesh Joshi granted interim bail?
Mahesh Joshi was granted interim bail to attend the funeral rituals of his wife, who recently passed away.
What is the timeline of Mahesh Joshi's legal troubles?
Mahesh Joshi was arrested on April 24, granted four days of bail on April 28, and was later granted an additional three-day bail to attend his wife's rituals.
What are the implications of this case for Rajasthan politics?
The Jal Jeevan Mission scam has raised serious questions about corruption in Rajasthan, reflecting broader issues of accountability and governance in the state's political landscape.
Who else has been implicated in the Jal Jeevan Mission scam?
Alongside Mahesh Joshi, several others, including Piyush Jain and Padam Chand Jain, have been arrested in connection with the scam.
