Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday, 31 October 2026, alleged that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is operating under political pressure from the ruling government, casting doubts over the impartiality of its investigation into IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal's reported purchase of 40 villas and cottages from a single company for approximately ₹6 crore. Gehlot made these remarks while addressing the media at the state Congress headquarters in Jaipur.

Key Allegations Against the ACB

Gehlot questioned the pace and scope of the investigation, pointing out that the probe remained at the Preliminary Enquiry (PE) stage despite attracting widespread national media attention. He argued that merely placing Agarwal under Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) and initiating an ACB enquiry did not constitute meaningful action.

'You have merely placed Shikhar Agarwal under APO and initiated an ACB enquiry. As long as the matter remains confined to a Preliminary Enquiry, nothing substantial will happen. They are still investigating whether a case can be made out or not,' Gehlot said.

He further questioned when the bureau would convert the preliminary enquiry into a formal First Information Report (FIR), warning that without that step, the investigation risked stalling indefinitely.

Claims of a 'Super DG' Influencing the Bureau

Gehlot alleged that a woman officer of Additional Director General (ADG) rank within the ACB wields authority exceeding her official designation, effectively functioning as a 'Super Director General (DG)'. He claimed she issues directions to other officers, reprimands them, and influences which cases are pursued.

'She is the one who issues orders, directs officers and scolds them. Cases are then made against people. I believe this female ADG has been appointed specifically to target certain individuals,' he alleged.

He also invoked the Mahesh Joshi case to buttress his argument, alleging that when an investigating officer reportedly found no valid grounds for arrest, the ACB DG reportedly said he was under pressure from above. Gehlot, however, described the ACB DG and his predecessor as personally decent officers and appealed to them to work independently. 'You have taken an oath as IPS officers, and you must uphold it,' he said.

Questions Over the Villa Purchase and Pricing

Gehlot also raised questions about the valuation of the properties at the centre of the controversy. He claimed that based on information reportedly received from a member of the seller's family, individual properties could fetch around ₹15 lakh each — implying the combined value of the 40 villas and cottages far exceeds the reported acquisition price of approximately ₹6 crore. He sarcastically suggested such undervalued villas should be made available to others at the same price.

Alleged Link to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma

The former Chief Minister also alleged that the ACB operates under the control of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and that the decision concerning the company in question was taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister. He claimed Shikhar Agarwal, described as a senior officer close to the Chief Minister, was present at the time.

Gehlot referred to a reported altercation involving the Chief Minister — including claims of a slapping incident — and called on those present, including Agarwal and an officer identified as Srivastava, to disclose what actually transpired. He claimed that even members within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had begun acknowledging that an incident had occurred.

What Happens Next

The central question now is whether the ACB will escalate the Shikhar Agarwal probe from a preliminary enquiry to a registered FIR. Gehlot's public pressure campaign, combined with the reported national media scrutiny, is likely to intensify political focus on the bureau's next move. He also called on supporters to join the INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' rally on 1 November.