JAIPUR: In a massive corruption scandal shaking the bureaucratic circles of Rajasthan, a high-profile IAS-IPS couple is facing a rigorous investigation by the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal and his wife, senior IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, have been placed under “Awaiting Posting Orders” (APO) following explosive allegations regarding the acquisition of luxury resort villas at throwaway prices.
The Alleged Multi-Crore Property Deals
According to investigations, Agrawal, his IPS wife, and family members (including their sons and parents-in-law) allegedly purchased nearly 40 luxury villas and cottages (with reports highlighting over 36 primary properties) across two major tourist destinations—Udaipur and Alwar—worth approximately Rs 5 to 6.16 crore over a period of two and a half years.
The properties were acquired from Goyal Fashions Private Limited, which operates hotels and resorts under the well-known Ananta brand. Key highlights of the questionable transactions include:
- Udaipur (Bujhda Resort): Villas were allegedly bought for around Rs 15 lakh each.
- Alwar (Ajabgarh Resort): Cottages/villas were purchased for roughly Rs 15 lakh to Rs 16.5 lakh apiece.
- The Lease-Back Scheme: In a striking pattern, the family leased the properties back to the exact same company that sold them, generating a massive annual rental income of roughly Rs 1.80 crore.
Abuse of Power and Official Favors
Investigators are examining whether Shikhar Agrawal—who previously served as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in the Industries Department and held other crucial portfolios—misused his official position to extend undue favors, policy concessions, or relaxed construction norms to the resort operating firm in exchange for below-market property deals. Intriguingly, reports noted that special financial concessions were greenlit for the firm on the exact same dates several villa transactions were registered.
Following preliminary inquiries and government sanction, the ACB has stepped up its probe, sending shockwaves through the state administration.
