Rajasthan ex-minister Mahesh Joshi gets judicial custody in ₹900-crore JJM scam
Synopsis
Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has been sent to judicial custody in the alleged ₹900-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam, while alleged middleman Sanjay Badaya — who reportedly went from a ₹7-lakh annual salary to allegedly amassing crores — was arrested at Delhi Airport after returning from Thailand and remanded to police custody.
Key Takeaways
Mahesh Joshi , former Rajasthan minister, was sent to judicial custody on 11 May 2025 in the alleged ₹900-crore JJM scam .
Alleged middleman Sanjay Badaya was remanded to police custody for three days after being detained at Delhi Airport on his return from Thailand.
The ACB had sought five days' remand for Badaya and three days' for Joshi; the court granted partial relief to investigators.
Badaya allegedly went from earning ₹7 lakh annually at an insurance company (until 2022) to amassing significant wealth during the alleged scam period.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously arrested Badaya on 16 July 2024 ; he secured bail from the Supreme Court on 17 December 2024 .
Investigators allege Badaya and his wife operated M/s Chamatkareshwar Builders and Developers , through which crores in transactions were allegedly routed.
Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi was sent to judicial custody on Monday, 11 May after being produced before an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Court in Jaipur in connection with the alleged ₹900-crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam. Alleged middleman Sanjay Badaya, arrested at Delhi Airport after returning from Thailand, was simultaneously remanded to police custody for three days.
Court Orders and Custody Details
The ACB had sought three days' police remand for Joshi and five days' remand for Badaya. The court, however, sent Joshi to judicial custody while granting police custody of Badaya for three days — a partial departure from what investigators had requested. Badaya's wife, Naina, was also present in court during the proceedings.
Joshi was originally arrested on 7 May, while Badaya was detained on Sunday night at Delhi Airport after immigration authorities alerted the ACB. A Look-Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against Badaya on Sunday, the day of his return from Thailand, where he had reportedly attended a wedding.
Joshi Alleges Political Pressure
Speaking outside the court, Joshi maintained his innocence and levelled allegations against the investigating agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jal Jeevan Mission scam case in Rajasthan?
The alleged Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam in Rajasthan involves suspected financial irregularities worth ₹900 crore linked to the central government's flagship rural drinking water scheme. Investigators allege that former minister Mahesh Joshi, middleman Sanjay Badaya, and retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal were involved in tender manipulation, illegal transfers, and financial dealings under the project.
Why was Mahesh Joshi sent to judicial custody instead of police remand?
The ACB Court in Jaipur sent Mahesh Joshi to judicial custody on 11 May 2025, even though the ACB had sought three days' police remand. Courts typically grant judicial custody when they find insufficient grounds for continued police interrogation, though the exact reasoning was not publicly disclosed.
How was Sanjay Badaya arrested?
Sanjay Badaya was detained at Delhi Airport on Sunday night, 10 May 2025, after immigration authorities alerted the ACB upon his return from Thailand, where he had reportedly attended a wedding. A Look-Out Circular had been issued against him the same day, and he was subsequently remanded to police custody for three days by the ACB Court.
What is Sanjay Badaya's alleged role in the JJM scam?
According to the ACB, Badaya is believed to be the mastermind and key middleman in the alleged scam. He is accused of facilitating financial dealings, influencing transfers and postings, introducing new individuals into the alleged network, and enabling tender irregularities linked to the JJM project. The ED also alleges he and his wife ran a builders' firm through which crores in transactions were routed.
Has Sanjay Badaya been arrested before in this case?
Yes. The Enforcement Directorate had previously arrested Badaya on 16 July 2024 in connection with the same case. He subsequently secured bail from the Supreme Court on 17 December 2024, after which he reportedly travelled to Thailand before being detained again on his return.
