Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi arrested in Rs 960 crore JJM scam
Jaipur (PTI): Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested former minister Mahesh Joshi from his Jaipur residence in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scam, officials said.
The arrest was made a month after retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal was apprehended.
Joshi, who was the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister during the former Congress government, was produced before a court where he was remanded to police custody till May 11.
Joshi was earlier arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in April 2025 in a money laundering case linked to the alleged scam. He remained in jail for around seven months before being granted bail by the Supreme Court in December.
ACB's Special Investigation Team (SIT) reached Joshi's residence in San Colony near Jaipur Railway Station early around 5 am and detained him in connection with the probe into the JJM scan, an ACB spokesperson said.
He was later brought to the ACB office and was placed under arrest.
While being taken to the courtroom, Joshi told reporters that the ACB did not serve him any notice and reached his residence early in the morning.
Joshi said that he was innocent and termed the ACB's action against him "cruel".
"Nothing can be more cruel than this. I am innocent. Today is my wedding anniversary, and this is how the government pays tribute to my (deceased) wife," Joshi said.
Joshi's wife, Kaushal, had passed away last year, four days after he was arrested by the ED.
"Truth may be challenged, but never be defeated," Joshi said.
He, however, declined to comment on the case in detail, adding, "All I can say is that I am innocent."
According to the ACB, Joshi is accused of misusing his position as the then PHED minister and accepting bribes in exchange for tenders.
The ACB registered an FIR against the former minister and others in late 2024.
ACB Director General Govind Gupta said the investigation by the SIT revealed that two firms secured tenders worth around Rs 960 crore by submitting forged completion certificates, purportedly issued by the IRCON International Ltd.
According to the ACB, Joshi, along with former additional chief secretary of PHED Subodh Agarwal, engineers, contractors and private individuals, conspired to facilitate the award of tenders through fraudulent means and caused huge financial loss to the state exchequer.
Apart from Joshi, as many as 11 accused, including retired IAS officer Subodh Agarwal, serving and retired PHED engineers, have already been arrested in the case.
Three other accused, former superintending engineer Mukesh Goyal, former executive engineer Jitendra Sharma and one Sanjeev Gupta, are absconding.
Permanent arrest warrants have already been issued against them, and proceedings are underway to declare them proclaimed offenders, officials said.
The ACB said five other accused have received protection from arrest from the Rajasthan High Court.
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Hockey India announces U18 men's, women's squad for Australia series
Bhopal (PTI): Hockey India on Thursday announced the 24-member Indian U-18 Men's and Women's squads for the upcoming home series against Australia from May 15 to 20.
The four-match series, to be played at SAI Bhopal, is a critical part of the teams' preparations for the Men's and Women's U-18 Asia Cup to be held at Kakamigahara, Japan, from May 29-June 6.
The squad members were selected after a week of rigorous evaluation during the national coaching camp, where the initial group of 42 players was narrowed down based on match fitness and tactical adaptability.
Forward Ketan Kushwaha has been named captain of the Indian U-18 men’s team, while the Indian U-18 women’s side will be led by Sweety Kujur.
"After a productive week in the camp, we have identified the 24 players whom we believe are ready for international exposure. These matches against Australia are not just practice games as they are a vital test of our match temperament and tactical discipline.
“Ketan is a natural leader, and I am keen to see how this group handles the pace and pressure of the Australian style before we head to the U-18 Asia Cup in Japan," said Sardar Singh, coach of men’s side.
“We have pruned the squad to 24 players who have shown the greatest consistency and growth during the camp. Sweety has the experience and vision required to lead this young side effectively.
“Playing four matches against a top-tier side like Australia in Bhopal will give us a clear picture of our strengths and the areas that need adjustment. This series is the ultimate dress rehearsal for the girls before the Asia Cup,” said Rani Rampal, women team’s head coach.
U-18 Men’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Sawan Kumar, Ayush Rajak, Vishal Bada; Defenders: Ansh Bahutra, Ashish Tani Purti, Arman Soreng, Deepakprakash Toppo, Karan Gautam, Karan Dhanuk; Midfielders: Premchand Soy, Rahul Yadav, Varinder Singh, Romit Pal, Arjandeep Singh, Gursimranpreet Singh, Arshdip Singh, Avi Manikpuri; Forwards: Akash Deep, Ketan Kushwaha (Captain), Shahrukh Ali, Gazee Khan, Prahalad Rajbhar, Siddharth Ben, Jaysan Kandulna
U-18 Women’s Squad
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Goalkeepers: Mahak Parihar, Harry, Khili Kumari; Defenders: Sugan Sanga, Nilam Topno, Rubina Baxla, Kiran Ekka, Divya Yadav, Sulochani; Midfielders: Shruti Kumari, Diya, Harshita, Rashmeen Kaur, Laminganbi Akoijam, Nancy Saroha, Tongbram Lanchenbi Devi, Sneha Davde; Forwards: Nousheen Naz, Sweety Kujur (Captain), Priyanka Minz, Sandeepa Kumari, Nammi Geetashree, Princess Priya Ekka, Pushpa Manjhi.
