The Rajasthan state government has authorized the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to launch an investigation into senior IAS officer Shikhar Agrawal following allegations that he misused his official position to benefit a private resort company. The inquiry centres on whether Agrawal extended undue administrative favours to Goyal Fashions Private Limited—which operates resorts under the Ananta brand—in exchange for financial gains. This development has also brought his wife, IPS officer Prashakha Mathur, under intense public and administrative scrutiny.
As the probe gains momentum, the state government has placed both officers on Awaiting Posting Orders (APO). Agrawal was relieved of his responsibilities on October 28, followed by Mathur on October 31, citing administrative reasons. Prior to this, Agrawal served as the Additional Chief Secretary to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, while Mathur held the position of Additional Director General of Police for Planning, Modernisation and Welfare.
The core of the allegations concerns the acquisition of 40 villas and cottages located at resorts in Udaipur and Alwar. Investigations suggest that these properties were registered in the names of Agrawal, Mathur, their two sons, and other family members. According to reports, the couple allegedly purchased 10 villas each at a resort in Bujhda, Udaipur, for approximately ₹15 lakh per unit. Furthermore, eight villas were reportedly acquired at the company’s Ajabgarh property in Alwar for about ₹16.5 lakh each.
The ACB is currently examining whether these acquisitions were made at prices significantly lower than the prevailing market value. The bureau’s preliminary inquiry suggests that Agrawal allegedly colluded with the directors of the resort company. The investigation focuses on whether the officer provided specific benefits, such as granting approvals without the verification of mandatory certificates, offering concessional financial packages, and relaxing construction conditions for the resorts.
Shikhar Agrawal, a 1993-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre and an IIT Kanpur alumnus, has held several high-profile administrative roles throughout his career. His background includes serving as the district collector for Udaipur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, and Jalore. Additionally, he has functioned as the commissioner of the Jaipur Development Authority and held positions within the Union Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. In his recent role as Additional Chief Secretary, he managed significant portfolios, including Industries, MSME, and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
Prashakha Mathur, a 1995-batch IPS officer, is also under scrutiny as some of the properties in question were allegedly registered in her name. The decision to initiate the formal inquiry follows the approval of an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This legal provision is a necessary procedural step that grants approval for inquiries into decisions made by public servants during the discharge of their official duties.
The state government’s decision to move both officers to APO status marks a significant administrative response to the allegations of corruption. As the Anti-Corruption Bureau continues its probe into the transactions between the officers and the resort company, the administrative and legal implications remain under observation. For now, the focus of the authorities remains on determining whether the alleged purchase of 40 villas constitutes a breach of professional conduct and corruption under current legal statutes.
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