Breaking News! Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi Arrested by ED in ₹9000 Crore JJM Scam Probe

In a major development in the alleged ₹9000 crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday evening arrested senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Minister Dr. Mahesh Joshi. The arrest has created political ripples across the state.

🚨 Despite Multiple Summons, Joshi Skipped ED Appearances

According to ED sources, Mahesh Joshi had been summoned multiple times for questioning in connection with alleged irregularities in the execution of Jal Jeevan Mission projects during the tenure of the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. However, Joshi repeatedly cited personal reasons to avoid appearing before the agency.

On Thursday, he finally appeared at the ED headquarters in Jaipur. After hours of interrogation, ED officials formally arrested him in the evening. The arrest has now paved the way for a deeper probe into the alleged embezzlement of central funds meant for providing piped drinking water to rural households.

💰 What is the ₹9000 Crore JJM Scam?

The Jal Jeevan Mission, a flagship scheme of the central government, aims to provide functional household tap connections across rural India. Allegations have surfaced that inflated tenders, fake bills, and substandard materials were used in several districts of Rajasthan, resulting in massive corruption.

Preliminary findings from ED and other central agencies indicate potential siphoning of funds on a scale as large as ₹9000 crore.

🏛️ Political Reactions Begin to Pour In

As news of Joshi’s arrest spread, the BJP launched a scathing attack on the Congress, demanding accountability. Party spokespersons claimed that such scams reflected "the deep-rooted corruption under the Gehlot regime."

On the other hand, Congress leaders have alleged political vendetta and termed the arrest "an act of distraction ahead of elections."

This high-profile arrest is expected to become a focal point in Rajasthan's political discourse in the days to come.