Jaipur, Rajasthan — The Anti‑Corruption Bureau (ACB) is intensifying its hunt for retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Subodh Agarwal, who has been named as one of the central accused in the ₹900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam and is currently absconding as the investigation deepens.
Major Developments in the JJM Scam Investigation
The JJM scam came to light after ACB registered multiple FIRs alleging massive corruption and irregularities in the tendering of water supply contracts under the central government’s flagship Jal Jeevan Mission. The scam involves the manipulation of tenders worth around ₹900 crore, with allegations that forged experience certificates were used to secure contracts for pipeline and household water infrastructure across several districts.
Former Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Subodh Agarwal, is accused of playing a key role in facilitating irregular approvals and overseeing tenders that were allegedly awarded without proper scrutiny. Despite repeated attempts by investigators and repeated summons, Agarwal has not appeared before the ACB and is reportedly on the run.
Look Out Circular and Arrest Warrants Issued
To prevent Agarwal from fleeing the country, the ACB has issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him, which directs immigration authorities to alert law enforcement if he attempts to travel overseas. ACB Director General Govind Gupta has confirmed the LOC issuance as part of efforts to track him down.
In addition, a special ACB court in Jaipur has issued non‑bailable arrest warrants against Agarwal and three others connected to the case. These include senior officials and private individuals accused of involvement in awarding tenders or facilitating irregularities.
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Nationwide Raids and Search Operations
ACB teams have conducted extensive raids at more than 100 locations in at least 21 cities, including Jaipur, Udaipur, Barmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Nagaur, and even locations outside Rajasthan such as Delhi and Noida, in a bid to locate Agarwal and other suspects. These raids have included residences, offices, and other known locations linked to the accused.
Officials say that these widespread actions reflect the large scale and deep complexity of the alleged scam, and the bureau continues to pursue leads on multiple fronts.
Property Attachment and Additional Actions
With repeated raids failing to apprehend Agarwal, authorities are reportedly preparing to take asset attachment actions against him. The ACB is expected to secure standing warrants and initiate steps to attach or seize his movable and immovable property, including luxurious flats and assets reportedly linked to the accused, if he continues to evade arrest.
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Earlier Arrests and Court Proceedings
While Agarwal remains absconding, several others linked to the JJM scam have already been arrested. More than 10 accused have been remanded in judicial custody after being presented before ACB courts. These include senior engineering officials, contractors, and other bureaucrats whose roles allegedly facilitated the irregular awarding of tenders.
The arrests and investigations have continued despite ongoing procedural challenges and legal maneuvers by some accused.
Public and Administrative Impact
The JJM scam has sparked significant public attention in Rajasthan and raised questions about transparency, compliance and accountability in the implementation of central schemes at the state level. ACB officials have emphasised that their investigation is ongoing and that no individual — whether bureaucrat or private beneficiary — will be spared if found culpable.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to tracking down Subodh Agarwal and securing justice in a scandal that has deeply impacted perceptions of governance and public trust in Rajasthan’s administration.