Rajasthan JJM Scam: Sanjay Badaya Detained at Delhi Airport, ACB Team Moving to Jaipur

In a significant development regarding the high-profile Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam in Rajasthan, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has detained Sanjay Badaya at the Delhi Airport. According to official reports, Badaya was returning from Thailand after attending a wedding ceremony. The ACB team is currently in the process of bringing him to Jaipur for further interrogation. His detention is seen as a crucial step in uncovering the financial irregularities and bribery network that allegedly operated within the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) during the previous government's tenure.

Major Operation at Delhi Airport and Team Details

The detention of Sanjay Badaya was the result of a meticulously planned operation by the ACB. Acting on a look-out notice previously issued by the Special Operations Group (SOG), the ACB team intercepted Badaya as soon as he landed at the Delhi Airport. The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of DIG Dr, while rameshwar Singh. The specialized team included SP Mahaveer Prasad Sharma, SP Bhupendra Singh, and SP Himanshu Kuldeep, among other officers. This high-stakes action was carried out following the explicit directives of DG Govind Gupta and ADG Smita Srivastava, marking a major milestone in the ongoing investigation.

Look-out Notice and the Thailand Connection

Sanjay Badaya had been under the scanner for his alleged role as a middleman in the JJM scam. Interestingly, Badaya had managed to leave for a foreign trip just two days before the arrest of former minister Mahesh Joshi, which had initially prevented the SOG from apprehending him. Allegations against Badaya suggest that he was responsible for collecting 'bandhi' (bribe money) from contractors and department officials on behalf of Mahesh Joshi. DIG Dr. Rameshwar Singh stated that a look-out notice had been active at all major airports, including Jaipur, to ensure Badaya was caught the moment he attempted to re-enter the country.

Interrogation of Former Minister Mahesh Joshi

While the ACB secures Badaya's custody, the investigation into former PHED Minister Mahesh Joshi continues to intensify. Sources indicate that the ACB has been independently gathering evidence against Joshi. During his remand period, Joshi was subjected to approximately 24 hours of rigorous questioning until Sunday night. The investigators focused on the fraudulent activities within the ₹960 crore JJM project and the specific channels through which bribe money was allegedly collected. Despite the intense questioning, Joshi has maintained a specific stance regarding his involvement in the administrative process.

Court Proceedings and Defense Claims

Following the completion of his remand period, Mahesh Joshi is scheduled to be produced before the ACB Court this Monday. During the interrogation, Joshi reportedly defended his actions by stating that he merely approved the files that reached his desk from lower-level officials. He has categorically denied any involvement in the collection of bribe money or direct participation in the fraud. With Sanjay Badaya now in custody, the ACB aims to cross-verify the statements of both individuals to establish the full extent of the ₹960 crore scam and identify all beneficiaries of the illicit funds.