Retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, who is currently under the custody of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam in Rajasthan, experienced health complications on Tuesday. According to officials, Agarwal complained of restlessness and physical discomfort during the ongoing interrogation session. The ACB team immediately facilitated medical attention for the former bureaucrat, who is on remand until April 15 following court orders.
Medical Examination Conducted at Two Major Hospitals
Following the complaints of ill health, the ACB team escorted Subodh Agarwal to the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur for an emergency checkup. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, he was subsequently taken to Jaipuria Hospital as well. According to medical authorities at both institutions, the diagnostic tests and physical examinations yielded normal results. After the medical clearance, Agarwal was brought back to the ACB headquarters to continue the legal proceedings and questioning.
Complaints of Restlessness During Questioning
The incident occurred on Tuesday, April 14, while the ACB team was questioning Agarwal regarding financial discrepancies in the water mission projects. The retired officer reported feeling uneasy, prompting the investigators to pause the session for medical intervention. Agarwal was granted a two-day remand by the court to allow the ACB to probe deeper into the alleged corruption. The agency is currently focusing on corroborating evidence and statements before his scheduled court appearance at the end of the remand period.
Agarwal’s Defense and Allegations Regarding Tenure
During the interrogation, Subodh Agarwal has reportedly presented his defense, questioning the scope of the current investigation. According to his statements, out of the 37 cases reviewed by the Finance Committee, only 4 pertain to his tenure. He claimed that the remaining 33 cases belong to the period of Sudhansh Pant, involving an estimated ₹600 crore. Agarwal has alleged that the ACB is focusing on cases where no payments were made while overlooking instances where actual embezzlement occurred through completed payments.
The ₹600 Crore Financial Irregularity Probe
The Jal Jeevan Mission scam involves allegations of massive corruption in the implementation of the central government's flagship water scheme in Rajasthan. The investigation by the ACB centers on irregularities in the tendering process, the use of sub-standard materials, and the clearance of fraudulent bills. The case has gained significant attention due to the involvement of high-ranking officials and the substantial financial scale, with the ACB working to trace the flow of illicit funds and identify all beneficiaries of the scam.
Legal Remand and Future Course of Action
Subodh Agarwal remains in ACB custody until April 15. Investigative officers are currently analyzing the documents seized and the statements recorded during the remand period. The agency aims to establish a clear link between the administrative decisions and the financial losses incurred by the state exchequer. Once the remand concludes, the ACB will present its findings before the court, which will then decide on the further course of judicial custody or any necessary extensions for the investigation.