Did the Jal Jeevan scam impact Ex-Minister Mahesh Joshi's life after his wife's passing?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The unexpected passing of Mahesh Joshi's wife amid his legal troubles has raised questions about the Jal Jeevan scam. With the ED's investigation uncovering widespread corruption, the fallout from this case continues to unfold in Rajasthan.
Key Takeaways
- Mahesh Joshi's wife passed away amidst his legal troubles.
- He is involved in a significant scam related to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Allegations include the use of substandard materials for water supply projects.
- The investigation has revealed widespread corruption in the water supply system.
- Interim bail was granted to Joshi following his wife's death.
Jaipur, April 28 (NationPress) Former Rajasthan Minister and Congress leader Mahesh Joshi faced a tragic loss as his wife, Kaushal Joshi, passed away on Monday morning while receiving treatment at Manipal Hospital in Jaipur.
Currently embroiled in the significant Rs 900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, Mahesh Joshi was presented before the special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court as his remand concluded on Monday.
News of his wife's demise reached the court during proceedings, prompting his attorney to request interim bail. The court granted Joshi a seven-day interim bail.
Arrested on April 24, Mahesh Joshi's initial court appearance saw ED counsel Ajatashatru Meena requesting a seven-day remand, but Judge Sunil Ranwah allowed only a four-day remand.
To date, the ED has arrested several individuals, including Piyush Jain, Padam Chand Jain, Mahesh Mittal, and Sanjay Badaya, in relation to this scam.
The allegations center around irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission, a scheme initiated by the Central Government to ensure tap water reaches every rural household.
Under the Rural Drinking Water Scheme, funding was intended to be equally divided between the Centre and the state government.
However, it has been reported that instead of using the required ductile iron (DI) pipes, inferior HDPE pipes were installed. Contractors allegedly embezzled funds by falsely asserting that new pipelines were laid, while in some instances, either old pipelines were reused or no pipelines were laid at all.
Numerous irregularities have surfaced, revealing that despite substantial financial claims, many rural areas still lack adequate water pipelines, highlighting widespread corruption involving contractors and officials from the water department.
There are also claims that stolen materials were utilized. Contractor Padam Chand Jain allegedly acquired stolen pipes from Haryana, misrepresenting them as new installations and misappropriating significant funds.
According to sources, companies like Shyam Tubewell Company and Shri Ganapati Tubewell Company secured tenders worth hundreds of crores by submitting fraudulent experience certificates, allegedly with the assistance of colluding officials.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initially revealed the scam, arresting multiple officials. Following this, the ED initiated an investigation, conducting raids on the residences of Mahesh Joshi and others.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opened its own case on May 3, 2024, and the ED provided its findings to the ACB the following day.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into the Jal Jeevan scam highlights critical issues of governance and accountability. The loss experienced by Mahesh Joshi serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind political and legal matters. As this situation evolves, it is crucial for authorities to address the systemic failures that have allowed such corruption to take root, ensuring that justice is served while also considering the personal tragedies that unfold alongside these scandals.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a Central Government initiative aimed at providing tap water to every rural household in India.
What are the allegations against Mahesh Joshi?
Mahesh Joshi is alleged to be involved in a scam related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, involving the misappropriation of funds and use of substandard materials.
What was the outcome of Mahesh Joshi's bail hearing?
The court granted Mahesh Joshi a seven-day interim bail following the news of his wife's passing.
Who else has been arrested in connection with this scam?
Several individuals including Piyush Jain, Padam Chand Jain, Mahesh Mittal, and Sanjay Badaya have been arrested as part of the investigation.
How did the ACB become involved in this case?
The Anti-Corruption Bureau initially uncovered the irregularities associated with the Jal Jeevan Mission, leading to arrests and further investigations.
