The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has taken a major step in the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam case by arresting former minister Mahesh Joshi. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a scam involving approximately ₹960 crore. Prior to this, the ACB had already arrested retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal in connection with the same case. The arrest of Mahesh Joshi marks a significant escalation in the high-profile corruption probe that has rocked the state's political landscape.
Allegations of ₹960 Crore Tender Fraud
The core of the JJM scheme scam involves allegations that two firms, M/s Shri Ganpati Tubewell and Shri Shyam Tubewell, obtained government tenders through fraudulent means. The proprietors of these firms, Mahesh Mittal and Padamchand Jain, are accused of using forged experience certificates from Ircon International Company to qualify for tenders worth nearly ₹960 crore. Investigative agencies allege that former minister Mahesh Joshi was complicit in these fraudulent activities and the subsequent allocation of contracts.
ACB Raids and Previous Legal Proceedings
The ACB's investigation saw a major push on February 17, when raids were conducted at approximately 15 different locations. Following these searches, 10 individuals were taken into custody. It's noteworthy that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also intervened in this matter, and as per the records, the ED arrested the former minister in 2025, after which he was granted bail by the Supreme Court. The current arrest by the ACB focuses on the corruption charges and the misuse of official position during his tenure.
Political Context and Protests by Kirodi Lal Meena
The controversy surrounding the JJM scam gained public attention on June 20, 2023, when Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena staged a two-day protest outside the Ashok Nagar police station in Jaipur. He demanded the registration of an FIR in the matter, leading to intense political debate. Several other leaders joined the protest at the Ashok Nagar station, and the issue became a central theme during the 2023 Assembly elections, with various political factions engaging in heated exchanges over the alleged corruption.
The investigation continues to probe the links between the firm proprietors, Mahesh Mittal and Padamchand Jain, and the former minister to uncover the full extent of the financial irregularities in the Jal Jeevan Mission projects.