A senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and his wife, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, in Rajasthan are now under the scanner of the state's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) following allegations of large-scale property acquisitions. IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal and his wife, IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, have both been placed on Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) as the investigation proceeds.
Allegations Trigger High-Profile Probe
The controversy stems from an investigative media report that raised serious questions about the property holdings linked to the bureaucrat and his family. The report alleges that Agrawal, Mathur, their two sons, and their in-laws collectively purchased approximately 40 villas and cottages from a single real estate company within a span of just two and a half years.
In response to these allegations, the Rajasthan government has not only moved the officers to APO status but has also granted approval for the ACB to formally investigate the matter under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PC Act). This move underscores the gravity with which the state government is treating the accusations.
Officers Relieved of Key Responsibilities
Before being placed on APO, Shikhar Agrawal held several significant administrative portfolios in Rajasthan. These included Additional Chief Secretary for Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), State Undertakings, and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). He also served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at the Bhiwadi Integrated Development Authority, and held charges for Investment, Non-Resident Rajasthani Affairs (NORA), and the Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP). Agrawal was also Chairman of RIICO and Chairman and Managing Director of RAJSICO.
His wife, Prashakha Mathur, was serving as Additional Director General of Police (Planning) before being placed on APO. The Department of Personnel issued the official order stating Agrawal was placed under APO due to "administrative reasons." Both officers have been relieved of their respective responsibilities pending further administrative review and the ongoing ACB investigation.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau is now tasked with thoroughly examining the property purchases to ascertain the veracity of the allegations and determine if any impropriety occurred during the rapid acquisition of these numerous properties.