– Alleged middleman detained upon return from Thailand wedding celebration; to be produced in court today along with former minister Mahesh Joshi
Jaipur/New Delhi: In a major development in Rajasthan’s high-profile ₹960 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Sanjay Badaya, considered one of the key masterminds and close aide of former PHED minister Mahesh Joshi. Badaya was detained by the ACB late Sunday night at Delhi Airport shortly after arriving from Thailand, where he had reportedly attended a wedding celebration.
According to officials, the Bureau of Immigration alerted the ACB immediately after Badaya landed in India. Acting swiftly, an ACB team took him into custody around 2 AM. A lookout notice had already been issued against him on May 10. Investigating agencies confirmed that three other accused linked to the scam are still absconding.
Key Allegations: Brokerage, Tender Manipulation and Transfer Rackets
Investigators claim that Sanjay Badaya acted as a crucial intermediary between former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi and retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, who is already in judicial custody in connection with the case.
The probe suggests that Badaya played an active role in manipulating tenders, facilitating illegal financial transactions, and influencing transfer-posting operations within the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). Officials suspect that he functioned as a “power broker” who coordinated communication and monetary dealings between bureaucrats, contractors, and political figures involved in the alleged scam.
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Sources associated with the investigation revealed that until 2022, Badaya was reportedly employed at an insurance company on a modest salary. However, within a short span during the execution of the Jal Jeevan Mission projects, he allegedly amassed enormous wealth and emerged as a millionaire with extensive political and bureaucratic connections.
ED Probe Reveals Real Estate Links and Alleged Land Grab Attempts
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is conducting a parallel money laundering investigation, has reportedly uncovered financial links involving a real estate company named Chamatkareshwar Builders and Developers, allegedly formed by Badaya and his wife.
Investigators suspect that the company was used to channel large-scale investments and acquire assets disproportionate to known sources of income. The ED is also examining allegations that forged documents were used in attempts to illegally occupy valuable Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) land parcels.
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Officials believe the financial trail may expose a wider network of shell entities and benami transactions connected to the JJM scam.
Mahesh Joshi’s Remand Ends Today; Face-to-Face Interrogation Likely
Former PHED minister Mahesh Joshi, who was arrested by the ACB on May 7, is scheduled to be produced before the court today as his remand period comes to an end.
Sources indicate that the ACB is planning a face-to-face interrogation between Joshi and Badaya in an attempt to uncover deeper layers of the alleged corruption network and identify other influential figures involved in the scam.
Retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, considered another central figure in the case, remains in jail. Investigators believe the combined questioning of all accused could reveal details related to manipulated contracts, illegal commissions, and misuse of government funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
Serious Charges Under Prevention of Corruption Act
If the allegations are proven in court, the accused — including Mahesh Joshi, Subodh Agarwal, and Sanjay Badaya — could face severe punishment under the Prevention of Corruption Act, including imprisonment of up to 10 years.
The ₹960 crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam has emerged as one of Rajasthan’s biggest corruption controversies, raising serious concerns over alleged misuse of public funds meant for rural drinking water projects.
