Jaipur: In a significant development in the ₹960 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, a court has sent former IAS officer Subodh Agarwal to a two-day remand under the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for further interrogation.
Agarwal, a retired 1988-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre and a key accused in the case, was produced before the ACB court on Monday after the expiry of his earlier remand. The ACB had sought a three-day remand; however, after hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted custody for two days.
ACB Seeks Extended Interrogation
During the hearing, ACB counsel argued for extended custody to continue questioning the accused in connection with alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The agency has reportedly prepared a detailed questionnaire comprising around 125 questions, based on which Agarwal was extensively interrogated during his previous remand.
Defence Raises Procedural Objection
Agarwal’s legal counsel opposed the remand request, arguing that a copy of the remand application had not been provided to the defence, which is required to ensure a fair opportunity to respond.
In response, the ACB maintained that the remand application forms part of the case diary and is not mandatorily required to be shared with the accused.
The court, after hearing both parties, allowed the ACB additional time to present supporting legal provisions before granting the two-day remand.
Agarwal Claims Full Cooperation in Probe
Speaking to the media during his court appearance, Subodh Agarwal stated that he has fully cooperated with investigators.
“I have fully cooperated with the investigation. I have answered every question that was put to me,” he said.
He further alleged that the investigation is selectively targeting him while ignoring cases involving actual financial transactions and alleged embezzlement.
Alleges Majority of Cases Belong to Previous Tenure
Agarwal claimed that out of 37 cases reviewed by the Finance Committee of the Water Supply Department, only four pertain to his tenure, while the remaining 33 date back to earlier administrations.
He specifically referred to the tenure of former Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, alleging that several cases, including one involving approximately ₹600 crore, predate his term.
“Out of the 37 matters before the Finance Committee, four are mine. The remaining 33 belong to previous tenures, including a case worth ₹600 crore,” he said.
Questions Raised Over Investigation Focus
Agarwal further alleged that investigative agencies are focusing on procedural irregularities rather than cases involving actual financial losses.
“You are targeting the person who took no money, while failing to investigate those who actually accepted bribes,” he remarked, questioning the direction of the probe.
He also emphasized that cases where funds were actually disbursed and allegedly embezzled are not being adequately investigated.
Background: Role in Water Supply Department
Subodh Agarwal served as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Water Supply Department from April 18, 2022, to May 17, 2023—a period now under scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.
Earlier, on April 10, the ACB court had remanded him to three days of custody. Following the completion of that period, he was again produced before the court at the Jaipur Collectorate Circle court premises.
Ongoing Investigation
The Jal Jeevan Mission scam case, involving alleged irregularities worth ₹960 crore, continues to unfold as the ACB intensifies its probe. The fresh remand is expected to allow investigators to further examine Agarwal’s role and scrutinize decision-making processes within the Finance Committee.
