Gahlot Questions Integrity of ACB Investigation into IAS Officers Villa Purchases

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat November 1, 2026, 12:01 am 3 min read

Jaipur, November 1: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gahlot has raised concerns about the integrity of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation into IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal’s villa purchases. He suggested that the ACB’s Director General is under pressure, and a female officer at the ADG level is acting as a “super DG.” Gahlot stated, “The female ADG has been appointed to ensure that those who need to be influenced are kept in check.”

Gahlot spoke to the media at the state Congress headquarters on Saturday. Agarwal is under scrutiny for allegedly purchasing 40 villas and cottages under his family’s name from a single company. The government has already placed him under an Administrative Punishment Order (APO), and the ACB has initiated a preliminary inquiry (PE) against him.

Gahlot Critiques Media Coverage

Gahlot remarked, “You have merely placed Shikhar Agarwal under an APO, and a case has been registered with the ACB. Currently, only a PE has been filed; nothing substantial has occurred. The media across the country is shouting about this, yet they are still stuck in the PE phase. When will it transition from a PE to an FIR? How will you behave after the FIR?” He expressed concerns that the DG is under significant pressure.

Concerns Over Female ADG’s Influence

Regarding the female ADG, Gahlot commented, “She commands authority, reprimanding officials and ensuring cases are constructed. I believe she has been appointed specifically to target individuals.” He described the DG as a “very good man,” but noted that he is not one to speak out or reprimand others.

Gahlot also mentioned that in the case of former minister Mahesh Joshi, the DG succumbed to external pressures, stating that when it was suggested no case could be made and no arrests could occur, he claimed ignorance, citing pressure from above. Gahlot asserted, “Innocent people are getting trapped. We want the guilty to face the harshest penalties; we would take pride in that. The DG should be freed from working under pressure.”

Gahlot Calls for Transparency

Gahlot emphasized that the ACB operates under the Chief Minister’s authority, who is also implicated in the decision-making process involving Agarwal. He urged, “The story I keep recounting about the altercation or slapping incident should be clarified by the Chief Minister himself or those present at the time. The officials were also there.”

According to Gahlot, the then IG Srivastava or family members could provide insights into the incident. He concluded, “How can I explain? The event has occurred; that much is evident. Even their own people have started to speak out.”

Related News

Gahlot claims journalists received flats worth 7.5 million, while Agarwal acquired a villa for 1.5 million; Dotasra asserts the government will prove innocence in the investigation. Following Agarwal, his IPS wife Prashakha Mathur has also been removed from her ADG position. Agarwal faces allegations of favoring a private company and purchasing 36 villas under his family’s name, with the government approving an investigation.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.