Rajasthan places IPS officer Prashakha Mathur on APO amid corruption probe
The move follows an Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation into property deals involving her husband, IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal.
The Rajasthan government on Saturday placed senior IPS officer Prashakha Mathur on awaiting posting orders (APO). According to The New Indian Express, the 1995-batch officer was removed from her role as additional director general of police for planning, modernisation and welfare.
The action comes two days after the government took similar steps against her husband, 1993-batch IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal. Agrawal was removed from his posts on October 28 and October 29.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating allegations that Agrawal misused his position to favour Goyal Fashions Pvt Ltd. The bureau is examining claims that Agrawal, his wife, and other family members purchased 40 villas and cottages in Udaipur and Alwar at prices significantly below market rates.
ACB Director General Govind Gupta said a preliminary inquiry was registered after examining a newspaper report, information from the Industries Department, and confidential sources. The bureau is looking into whether Agrawal helped the company secure relaxed construction rules and a special financial package.
The investigation will scrutinise decisions made during Agrawal's previous tenures, including his time as Udaipur collector and additional chief secretary in Industries. The probe will also cover suspected disproportionate assets and potential financial losses to the state.
Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded that the CBI and Enforcement Directorate conduct a probe, stating that placing the officers on APO is not sufficient.