In a shocking development, Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has issued look out notice against former IAS officer Subodh Agarwal in connection with the alleged Rs 900 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme.
The agency had conducted raids at his premises in Jaipur and Delhi on Tuesday. Agarwal was not found anywhere. Sources said that Agarwal had left his home at 9 pm on Monday and since then his whereabouts are not known.
ACB suspects that Agarwal may flee abroad. In anticipation, the agency has issued look out notice ruling out any possibility of him fleeing abroad.
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Sources say that ACB, which has arrested 9 key officials involved in JJM scam, may arrest Subodh Agarwal also who was then additional chief secretary of PHED – the department which runs JJM scheme.
Agarwal untraceable
The mobile number of Subodh Agarwal was off on Tuesday when ACB conducted raid.
Sources said that Subodh Agarwal is not carrying his mobile and he had left it somewhere.
“Had he carried his mobile, his location could have been identified. So mobile being switched on is not helping ACB on locating him,” said a senior official.
What is there for Subodh Agarwal to hide?
Subodh Agarwal had faced interrogation of Directorate of Enforcement also in JJM case in 2023. The central agency had conducted raids at his office and residence and seized documents and property papers along with some cash. However, the central agency is said to have not found any incriminating evidence against Agarwal. Hence it didn't take any adverse action against him.
“When ED could not find any incriminating evidence, there is little chance that ACB can find something concrete against him. I don't know what is that Subodh may be hiding which ED could not find,” said RC Jain, former IAS officer.
The central agency however arrested the then PHED minister Mahesh Joshi, who was released on bail after spending several months in jail.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
