The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated extensive searches across multiple cities in Rajasthan on September 1, 2023, as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation. This investigation pertains to alleged irregularities surrounding the implementation of the Central government’s ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ in the Congress-governed state, as confirmed by official sources.
Enforcement Directorate Conducts Money Laundering Probe in Rajasthan’s ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ Implementation
The searches encompass various premises belonging to engineers, contractors, and former state government officials located in cities such as Jaipur, Alwar, and several others. These actions are being carried out under the legal framework of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Notably, during the searches, authorities have seized certain documents and electronic devices.
The origins of the money laundering case can be traced back to an initial FIR filed by the Rajasthan Police
The origins of the money laundering case can be traced back to an initial FIR filed by the Rajasthan Police. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Kirodi Lal Meena raised serious allegations in June, asserting that a staggering ₹20,000 crore scam had taken place during the execution of the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ in Rajasthan. Among his claims, he alleged that tenders worth ₹900 crore were awarded to two companies based on fraudulent experience certificates in 48 projects linked to the scheme.
Mr. Meena specifically accused the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister and the department secretary of being complicit in this purported scam. The ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ is a national endeavor aimed at delivering safe and sufficient drinking water to households through tap connections, with its implementation overseen by the state’s Public Health Engineering Department (PHED).
