**Former Rajasthan Minister Mahesh Joshi Arrested in Jal Jeevan Mission Scam**
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Mahesh Joshi, a former minister in Rajasthan, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Jal Jeevan Mission. Joshi, who previously served as the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister under the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government, was taken into custody in Jaipur following extensive questioning by the agency.
In November of the previous year, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) filed a case against Joshi and 22 others, alleging that he misused his official powers. The accusations include the misappropriation of funds in collaboration with officials and contractors involved in the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through household tap connections across the state.
The ED has conducted multiple searches related to this case, including at Joshi’s premises, and has previously arrested several middlemen and contractors. Among those implicated in the scam are Sushil Sharma, a financial advisor to Joshi, and Chief Engineers RK Meena and Dinesh Goyal.
The Jal Jeevan Mission, initiated by the central government, is a significant initiative aimed at ensuring access to clean drinking water for all households in Rajasthan, with the PHED overseeing its implementation.
As investigations continue, the implications of this case could have far-reaching effects on the political landscape in Rajasthan and the integrity of public service initiatives.
**FAQ**
**What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?**
The Jal Jeevan Mission is a government initiative aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through household tap connections to improve water accessibility across India.
