Ashok Gehlot questions Rajasthan government over Shikhar Agrawal property controversy
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot demanded accountability as the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigates alleged large-scale property acquisitions by an IAS officer.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has questioned the state government regarding alleged property acquisitions linked to IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal and his family, according to ANI.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has started an investigation into Agrawal, who has been placed on 'Awaiting Posting Orders' (APO) status. Agrawal's wife, IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, has also been placed on APO by the Department of Personnel.
Gehlot questioned the scale of the acquisitions, asking if a scheme was created solely for Agrawal. He noted that 40 villas worth Rs 6 crore were reportedly purchased from a single company over two and a half years.
Gehlot claimed the government had only taken procedural steps by placing the officer on APO and registering an ACB case. He stated the Chief Minister must answer the allegations.
Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra said that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma's silence was insufficient given that the officer held the post of Additional Chief Secretary to the CM. Dotasra claimed the inquiry would result in a clean chit for the officer.
Dotasra alleged that the Chief Minister would later use the administrative steps taken, such as the APO order, as evidence of the government's honesty.